FR 1-12

JUNE 2007

Abstract

Community Disadvantage, Adolescent Precocious Life Events, and Mental Health

Prepared by:

Michael J. Merten, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Cheryl Delk, Graduate Assistant

Human Development & Family Science Human Development & Family Science

Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University

700 N. Greenwood Avenue 700 N. Greenwood Avenue

1111 Main Hall 2408 Main Hall

Tulsa, OK 74106 Tulsa, OK 74106

Phone: (918) 594-8318 Phone: (918) 594-8518

Email: michael.merten@okstate.edu Email: cheryldelk@sbcglobal.net.

Wickrama, K. A. S., Merten, M. J., & Elder Jr, G. H. (2005). Community influence on

precocious transitions to adulthood: Racial differences and mental health consequences. Journal of Community Psychology, 33(6), 639-653.

Overview

The “rush to adulthood” is defined by precocious events that place excessive demands on youth who are not adequately prepared for the responsibilities of adulthood. Precocious life events are defined as events that are experienced earlier than societal norms dictate. For example, to get married or become pregnant before the age of 18 is considered a precocious event, because the average age in the United States of marriage or becoming pregnant is much older than age 18.

IMPLICATIONS FOR COOPERATIVE EXTENSION. The information in this empirical study will give Cooperative Extension and other community services valuable knowledge in understanding the impact of community disadvantage on the behavioral outcomes and mental health of adolescents. The knowledge gained may help to increase positive outcomes which can benefit adolescents from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. These community effects call for large-scale policies and programs to reduce community adversities, the need for targeted social programs in reference to race differences, and additional support including resources for disadvantaged families.

This study investigates the influence of community and family disadvantage and race on adolescent precocious life events and depressive symptoms among adolescents. Community and family disadvantages enhance the risk of precocious events among adolescents. These events in turn are associated with depressive symptoms, especially in highly disadvantaged communities among adolescents. We find no race/ethnic difference in the likelihood of precocious life events. However, race/ethnicity does make a difference in the impact of community disadvantage on precocious life events. Whites may be more susceptible to community poverty and better served by community resources than minorities. Females are more likely to experience both precocious life events and depressive symptoms. However, the influence of community and family factors on outcomes shows no variation by gender.

Method

Sample. Participants in this study came from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Both adolescents and parents were interviewed at their home. The data was derived from 20,745 adolescents and 17,500 parents along with census data. The adolescents in this study ranged in age from 12 to 18

Community Disadvantage, Adolescent Precocious Life Events, and Mental Health (continued)

The total sample included predominantly Whites (69.2%), African Americans (14.1%), and Hispanics (11.8%). About half of the adolescents, 51.1% were male and 48.9% were females. Only a small percentage of parents had less than a high school education (14.1% mothers and 11.1% fathers). The percentage of households below the poverty line was 24.4% with at least one parent employed in manual labor found in 40% of the families.

Measures. Adolescent depressive symptoms were collected using an 18-item depression scale that taps adolescents’ feelings of distress and feelings of negative affect. Precocious life events were measured by asking questions concerning sexual intercourse, pregnancy, marriage or cohabitation, leaving home, dropping out of school, and full-time employment. Any of these events occurring before the age of 18, were considered “precocious”—thus indicating a potential risk to adolescents. However, sexual intercourse was considered precocious only if earlier than age 16, as the national average for adolescents to engage in sexual intercourse is age 16. Family income was assessed by the total earned family income. Community disadvantage was assessed with information provided by the 1990 U.S. Census. A score was generated by summing four indicators from the 1990 U.S. Census: (1) the proportion of families living in poverty, (2) the proportion of single-parent families, (3) the proportion of adults employed in service occupations, and (4) the proportion of unemployed males.

Results

The results indicate that disadvantaged communities significantly increase the risk of precocious life events among adolescents. Also, low family income, single parenthood, and limited mother education uniquely increase the risk of precocious life events above the influence of community disadvantage. Girls were at a greater risk for precocious life events compared to boys. African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to experience precocious life events than white youth. However, in highly disadvantaged communities, whites appear to be more susceptible to precocious events than any other racial group.

Discussion

Community disadvantage increases the risk of precocious life events even after controlling for race, gender, and family characteristics. These events in turn are associated with adolescent depressive symptoms. Adverse family conditions such as a poorly educated parents and single parenthood independently contribute to the risk of adolescent precocious life events and depressive symptoms. Also, the findings of this study identify the multiplicative influence of community disadvantage and individual factors. This study has provided current information about community influences on precocious events in the transition to adulthood and their associated mental health consequences among adolescents.