Community Influence on Precocious Transitions to Adulthood: Racial Differences and Mental Health Consequences

Citation

Wickrama, Kandauda A. S.; Merten, Michael J.; & Elder, Glen H., Jr. (2005). Community Influence on Precocious Transitions to Adulthood: Racial Differences and Mental Health Consequences. Journal of Community Psychology, 33(6), 639-653.

Abstract

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. This study investigates the influence of community disadvantage, family, and race on adolescent precocious life events and depressive symptoms in the transition to adulthood. The findings generally support the hypothesized additive and multiplicative association of these factors with adolescent outcomes. Community and family disadvantages uniquely enhance the risk of precocious transitions to adulthood. These transitions in turn are associated with depressive symptoms, especially in highly disadvantaged communities. Findings also suggest that the influence of community disadvantage on precocious life events is less pronounced for minority adolescents when compared to whites. Community disadvantage and family influences on precocious life events and depressive symptoms emphasize the need for intervention programs at the grassroots level to support disadvantaged youth and their families.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jcop.20076

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2005

Journal Title

Journal of Community Psychology

Author(s)

Wickrama, Kandauda A. S.
Merten, Michael J.
Elder, Glen H., Jr.