3 research outputs found
Reducing the Biological and Psychological Toxicity of Povertyârelated Stress: Initial Efficacy of the BaSICSIntervention for Early Adolescents
This proofâofâconcept study tests the initial efficacy of the Building a Strong Identity and Coping Skills (BaSICS) intervention, a selective prevention of internalizing problems program for early adolescents exposed to high levels of povertyârelated stress. Eightyâfour early adolescents (Mage = 11.36 years) residing in very lowâincome neighborhoods were randomized to receive the 16âsession intervention (n = 44) or to an assessmentâonly control condition (n = 40). BaSICS teaches coping skills, social identity development, and collective social action to empower youth with the ability to connect with members of their communities and cope with povertyârelated stress in positive and collaborative ways. Pretestâposttest analyses showed that intervention adolescents acquired problemâsolving and cognitiveârestructuring skills and reduced their reliance on avoidant coping. In addition, HPA reactivity was significantly reduced in the intervention youth, but not controls. Finally, intervention youth\u27s internalizing and somatic symptoms as reported by both youth and their parents, showed significant reductions over time, whereas control youth had no such changes. Results provide strong support for this approach to strengthâbuilding and symptom reduction in a population of early adolescents exposed to povertyârelated stress