Latent Class Analysis of Health Risk Behaviors Among Survivors of Childhood Adversities

This study examined the clustering of health risk behaviors among young adults who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACE). Data were collected from young adults attending a four-year university in the Midwest using online surveys. Results from a Latent Class Analysis (LCA) indicated that a three-class model was the best fit. These classes include a “Poor Diet, Inactivity, and Risky Behavior” class, “Poor Diet and Inactivity” class, and an “Inactivity” class. Once classes were created, a number of follow up analysis were used to assess differences on key variables. Significant differences were found between the classes. Young adults in the “Poor Diet, Inactivity, and Risky Behavior” class reported higher rates of anxiety and maternal smoking and drinking behaviors compared to those in the “Poor Diet and Inactivity” class. Individuals in the “Poor Diet, Inactivity, and Risky Behavior” class were also more likely to report that a greater number of their peers engage in health risk behaviors, that they currently live off campus, and that they live in a sorority or fraternity compared to those in the “Inactivity” and “Poor Diet and Inactivity” classes. Young adults in the “Inactivity” class reported stronger relationships with faculty and staff and stronger friendships than those classified in the “Poor Diet and Inactivity” class. Those in the “Inactivity” class were also more likely to be a student athlete compared to the other classes, and more likely to report having a higher GPA than individuals in the “Poor Diet, Inactivity, and Risky Behavior” class. Young adults in the “Poor Diet and Inactivity” class were more likely to live without a roommate and be living at home with a parent or guardian compared to individuals in the other classes. Implications for clinical interventions and policy are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Clinical Psychology (UMKC)

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Missouri -- Kansas City

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Racette, Elise Hoover

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Rempfer, Melisa V.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10355/69662

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/69662