Presenter(s): Cassidy Bender – Biology
Faculty Mentor(s): Tasia Smith, Jonathan Pedroza
Poster 135
Research Area: Social Science
In 2016, the State of Obesity Organization reported that Latinx populations (47.8%) have a higher obesity rate when compared to non-Latinx White populations (32.6%). Depressive symptoms are one factor that has been found to be associated with obesity. Studies show greater depressive symptoms are associated with increased obesity in Latinx populations; however, research has not focused on the protective and risk factors between depression and obesity, such as discrimination stress and social support. Discrimination stress, which is associated with depressive symptoms and obesity, may serve as a mediator in predicting obesity in Latinx populations. While discrimination stress may help in explaining the connection between depressive symptoms and obesity, protective factors, like social support may buffer the relationship. Latinx populations have shown positive outcomes when receiving social support for depressive symptoms, which may buffer potential increases in Latinx obesity. The purpose of the present study is to examine discrimination stress as a mediator and social support as a moderator of the relationship between depression and obesity within Latinx adults. A national sample of Latinx adults (N=800) was recruited using Qualtrics Panel to participate in an online survey. Depressive symptoms, discrimination stress, social support, and BMI, a measure of obesity will be assessed through self-report measures. Predicted findings are that discrimination stress will further explain the depression and obesity relationship while social support will decrease the relationship’s strength. Unique variations within the Latinx community may be unveiled, allowing for the development of culturally sensitive depression prevention programs.