Superwoman schema and metabolic syndrome in Black adolescent girls.
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| Title: | Superwoman schema and metabolic syndrome in Black adolescent girls. |
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| Authors: | Chen, Edith, Kim, Jungwon, Law, Jayson, Obi, Vanessa, Gallivan, Shanti U., Hayen, Robin |
| Source: | Journal of Behavioral Medicine. Oct2025, Vol. 48 Issue 5, p745-755. 11p. |
| Subjects: | Metabolic syndrome treatment, Blood sugar analysis, Cross-sectional method, High density lipoproteins, Psychological resilience, Adolescent development, Cost control, African Americans, Health status indicators, Research funding, Adipose tissues, Puberty, Socioeconomic status, Schools, Emotions, Services for caregivers, Cardiovascular diseases risk factors, Psychological well-being, Descriptive statistics, Motivation (Psychology), Waist circumference, Conceptual structures, Quality of life, Diastolic blood pressure, Psychological stress, Women's health, Social support, Interpersonal relations, Systolic blood pressure, Triglycerides, Data analysis software, Confidence intervals, Blood pressure, Social classes, Poverty, Regression analysis, Psychological vulnerability, Adolescence |
| Geographic Terms: | Illinois |
| Abstract: | This study investigated associations between the Superwoman schema (socialized expectations to project strength and exhibit a determination to succeed, while at the same time helping others and suppressing one's emotions) and metabolic syndrome (MetS, a cluster of risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke detectable in childhood) across the period of adolescence. A sample of 256 Black adolescent girls (ages 14–19), all from lower-income households (≤ 2 × poverty threshold) was recruited for a cross-sectional study. Adolescents completed the Superwoman schema questionnaire, and MetS was measured using International Diabetes Federation criteria. Analyses posed a developmental question of whether associations varied by age across the period of adolescence. Age by Superwoman schema interactions were found, such that in younger adolescent girls, higher scores on the Superwoman schema questionnaire were associated with better cardiometabolic health (lower levels of MetS); however, by older adolescence, higher Superwoman schema scores were associated with worse cardiometabolic health (higher MetS). Psychologically, at older ages, a higher Superwoman schema score also was associated with experiencing greater conflict across life domains and with lower levels of perceived control. Overall these patterns suggest that a critical switch from the Superwoman schema being beneficial to being detrimental may occur some time during late adolescence. These findings suggest the importance of developing ways to cultivate and sustain the early beneficial aspects of a Superwoman schema as Black girls transition into adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | This study investigated associations between the Superwoman schema (socialized expectations to project strength and exhibit a determination to succeed, while at the same time helping others and suppressing one's emotions) and metabolic syndrome (MetS, a cluster of risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke detectable in childhood) across the period of adolescence. A sample of 256 Black adolescent girls (ages 14–19), all from lower-income households (≤ 2 × poverty threshold) was recruited for a cross-sectional study. Adolescents completed the Superwoman schema questionnaire, and MetS was measured using International Diabetes Federation criteria. Analyses posed a developmental question of whether associations varied by age across the period of adolescence. Age by Superwoman schema interactions were found, such that in younger adolescent girls, higher scores on the Superwoman schema questionnaire were associated with better cardiometabolic health (lower levels of MetS); however, by older adolescence, higher Superwoman schema scores were associated with worse cardiometabolic health (higher MetS). Psychologically, at older ages, a higher Superwoman schema score also was associated with experiencing greater conflict across life domains and with lower levels of perceived control. Overall these patterns suggest that a critical switch from the Superwoman schema being beneficial to being detrimental may occur some time during late adolescence. These findings suggest the importance of developing ways to cultivate and sustain the early beneficial aspects of a Superwoman schema as Black girls transition into adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 01607715 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10865-025-00584-9 |
