Positive Adult Bonds Shield Marginalized Youth from Mental Health Challenges, Study Finds

 / 

In a groundbreaking study led by Columbia University, researchers reveal that positive relationships with parents and other adults during childhood play a crucial role in shaping better mental health outcomes in adulthood, even in the face of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry on December 27, 2023, emphasizes the significance of nurturing connections for marginalized and minoritized youth, shedding light on sociocultural factors that act as resilience buffers against mental disorders.

The research, drawing data from the Boricua Youth Study (BYS), involved analyzing information from 2,000 participants of Puerto Rican descent over 20 years. The study identified a strong correlation between positive adult-child relationships during childhood and reduced risks of depression, anxiety, and stress in young adulthood.

Lead study author, Dr. Sara VanBronkhorst, MD, MPH, expressed the importance of warm, nurturing relationships, stating, “For kids, an extremely important resilience factor is a warm, nurturing relationship with a parent, caregiver, or other adult.” The findings suggest that fostering supportive adult connections in childhood can yield long-term benefits, mitigating the sociocultural risk of mental disorders.

Unraveling the Sociocultural Factors of Resilience

The research delved into identifying markers of resilience by assessing seven sociocultural factors associated with positive outcomes. These factors included social relationships such as maternal warmth and friendships, as well as sources of meaning like familism and family religiosity.

Surprisingly, the study uncovered that family religiosity, often presumed to be protective, was associated with increased perceived stress among young adults who had experienced high ACEs. Dr. VanBronkhorst pointed out that this unexpected finding could be linked to the higher levels of shame and guilt experienced by religious families concerning ACEs, such as parental substance use or incarceration.

Implications for Mental Health Interventions

The study’s findings underscore the need for interventions that prioritize building supportive relationships for children facing adversity. Dr. Cristiane Duarte, the Ruane Professor for the Implementation of Science for Child & Adolescent Mental Health at Columbia and senior author of the paper, highlighted the importance of looking beyond traditional predictors of resilience.

Dr. Duarte emphasized, “We may need to look beyond traditional predictors of resilience. Future studies could look at the roles, for example, of financial resources, racism, and social equity on resilience.” The study recognizes that resilience is a process, and children and caregivers need access to resources that foster strong, responsive relationships and meaningful experiences.

Addressing Challenges in Implementation

Dr. VanBronkhorst, who works as a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Network180, a community mental health clinic, acknowledged the challenges parents face in forming positive relationships with their children amid high ACEs. She emphasized the importance of supporting parents through parenting classes and family therapy, as well as educating teachers and community members.

The study advocates for larger, structural interventions that address the root causes of adversities and stress, hindering adults from forming bonds that can buffer children from stress. Dr. Duarte concluded, “Resilience is a process. To engage in this process, children and caregivers need access to resources in their environment that foster strong, responsive relationships and meaningful experiences.”

Looking Ahead

As the study prompts a reevaluation of traditional predictors of resilience, it also opens the door for future research to explore additional factors influencing mental health outcomes. The Columbia University study contributes valuable insights to the ongoing conversation about mental health, resilience, and the role of supportive relationships in shaping the well-being of marginalized and minoritized youth.

— Share —

, ,

— About the Author —

Kerin Stark

I am a person who loves to craft engaging narratives. As an extrovert, I thrive on connecting with audiences through my words. When I’m not immersed in writing, I find joy in dance, where movement becomes my language. Poetry and storytelling hold a special place in my heart. Let’s embark on a journey of words together.

Leave a Reply

Up Next

Managing Autoimmune Disorders Through Yoga: Effective Practices to Consider

In recent years, the intersection between holistic practices like yoga and conventional medicine has garnered significant attention, particularly in the realm of managing autoimmune disorders.

A burgeoning body of research suggests that incorporating yoga into treatment plans can offer tangible benefits for individuals grappling with autoimmune conditions. From rheumatoid arthritis to lupus, yoga’s gentle yet powerful techniques hold promise in alleviating symptoms and improving overall quality of life.

Yoga, with its emphasis on mindful movement, breathwork, and relaxation, provides a multifaceted approach to managing autoimmune disorders. The practice not only addresses physical symptoms but also targets the underlying stress and inflammation that often exacerbate these conditions.

Up Next

Pregnancy Linked to Accelerated Aging Process in Women, Study Finds

In a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers shed light on a compelling connection between pregnancy and the aging process in women.

The study, led by Calen Ryan, an associate research scientist at the Columbia University Ageing Center, suggests that women who have experienced pregnancy may exhibit more signs of biological aging compared to those who haven’t. Intriguingly, the research also indicates that the aging process may accelerate with multiple pregnancies.

Ryan commented on the findings, stating, “We’re discovering that pregnancy leaves lasting effects on the body. While not all are negative, it appears to heighten the risk of certain diseases and overall mortality.”

Stud

Up Next

Unlocking Hoarding Disorder: Understanding, Support, and Effective Solutions

Hoarding disorder, a mental health condition characterized by persistent difficulty in parting with possessions and accumulating excessive clutter, affects millions of individuals worldwide. Here’s what you need to know about this often misunderstood disorder and how to support those who struggle with it.

Defining Hoarding Disorder:

Hoarding disorder is a complex mental health condition marked by a compulsive urge to accumulate possessions, leading to overwhelming clutter and difficulty discarding items.

According to experts like Brad Schmidt and Gregory Chasson, individuals with hoarding disorder often experience distress at the thought of parting with their belongings and may also have a strong desire to acquire new items.

Up Next

Understanding Cherophobia: Signs, Causes, and Coping Strategies

Cherophobia, a condition characterized by an aversion to happiness, has garnered attention for its impact on mental well-being.

Derived from the Greek word “Chairo,” meaning “I rejoice,” cherophobia manifests as an irrational fear of experiencing joy. Therapist Carolyn Rubenstein explains that this fear often stems from anxious thoughts associated with past trauma or childhood experiences linking happiness to negative outcomes.

Signs of Cherophobia

Recognizing the signs of cherophobia is crucial for identifying individuals who may be struggling with this condition:

Feelings of Guilt and Unworthiness: Those with cherophobia experience guilt and unwor

Up Next

Stress Can Lead to Cortisol Belly: Here’s How to Fix It

Stress can affect our lives in many ways, from our mental health to our relationships, but it can also lead to physical symptoms such as ‘cortisol belly’. Cortisol belly, named after the stress hormone, has been widely discussed on social platforms such as TikTok, with users and experts explaining how it occurs, and theorizing what could be done about it.

While you may not have heard of the term ‘cortisol belly’ before, you might have heard of stubborn belly fat or stress belly, which are essentially the same thing. This is because it refers to the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue around the stomach, which has been linked to prolonged exposure to elevated levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

What Is Cortisol Belly?

According to dietitian

Up Next

Sleep Apnea Linked to Air Pollution, Suggests New Study

A new study published in the journal NeuroToxicology suggests that air pollution could add to the risk and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.

The study, led by Bijaya Kumar Padhi from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, claims that although there is no conclusive evidence, there are several plausible pathways to link the two.

For example, the Neuro Toxicology study says, that exposure to persistently high levels of air pollution can cause systemic inflammation or inflammation throughout the body,

Up Next

Aster DM Healthcare Identifies Top Foods to Combat PCOS Symptoms

Google searches related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) reached an all-time high in April 2024 globally, indicating a growing concern and interest in understanding and managing this condition.

PCOS is a widespread hormonal disorder that mainly affects women between the ages of 12 and 51, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances. Fortunately, dietary modifications can significantly mitigate these symptoms and enhance overall well-being.

With this in mind, Global Healthcare Innovator Aster DM Healthcare has put together a list of the top foods to combat PCOS symptoms.

Top Foods to Combat PCOS Symptoms

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

— Follow Us —