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Mediational Models of Health Practices in Early Adolescents

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark

Adela Yarcheski

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark

Thomas J. Yarcheski

State University of New York Institute of Technology, Utica

Michele M. Hanks

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social support and positive health practices in early adolescents and to test two variables, depression and optimism, that mediate this relationship. The final sample included 128 adolescents, ages 12 to 14, who responded to instruments measuring social support, depression, optimism, and positive health practices in classroom settings. Correlational analysis supported the five hypothesized relationships. A series of regression analyses indicated that depression and optimism each were weak mediators of the relationship between social support and positive health practices. The application of findings to nursing is addressed, using the ACE Star Model for evidence-based practice.

Key Words: social support • depression • optimism • positive health practices

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Clinical Nursing Research, Vol. 16, No. 4, 302-316 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1054773807307314


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Mahon, N. E. Articles by Hanks, M. M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Mahon, N. E. Articles by Hanks, M. M. Pubmed/NCBI databases Medline Plus Health Information Child Behavior Disorders Child Mental Health Depression Healthy Living Teen Development Teen Mental Health Social Bookmarking                         What's this?