The Influence of Parenting Practices and Behaviors in the Relationship between Social Disadvantage and Physical Inactivity Risk in the Transition to Young Adulthood

Hedwig Lee, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Family context plays a crucial role in developmental and health trajectories during adolescence and in the transition to young adulthood. Social disadvantage can operate via parenting styles and practices with implications for child developmental and health outcomes. This paper uses nationally representative data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) to investigate the mediating role of parenting practices in the relationship between social disadvantage and physical inactivity patterns in the transition from adolescence into young adulthood. Multiple dimensions of parenting practices and behaviors are measured that represent various pathways through which parenting can work to mediate the relationship between social disadvantage and physical activity. Longitudinal measures of change in physical activity are also created. Preliminary results indicate statistically significant relationships between social disadvantage (measured by parental education, income and welfare status) and physical inactivity, and parenting measures and physical inactivity in both adolescence and young adulthood.