Keith Zullig, MSPH, PhD, Physical Education, Health, and Sport Studies, Miami University (Ohio), 121 Phillips Hall, Oxford, OH 45056, (513) 529-1444, zulligkj@muohio.edu, Robert F. Valois, PhD, MPH, Norman J. Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Department of Health Promotion and Education, Health Sciences Building, Columbia, SC 29208, Scott Huebner, PhD, NCSP, FAPA, Department of Psychology, Univeristy of South Carolina, Barnwell, Room 505, Columbia, SC 29208, and Wanzer J. Drane, PhD, School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of South Carolina, Health Sciences Building, Columbia, SC 29208.

Relationships between perceived life satisfaction and family structure were examined among 5,021 public high school adolescents using the self-report CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Adjusted multiple logistic regression analyses and multivariate models (via SUDAAN) constructed separately, revealed significant race by gender effects. Living with other relatives, non-relatives, or guardians was significantly related (p<.01) to reported life dissatisfaction for all race and gender groups, except black males. However, white females and males living with both parents were significantly less likely (p<.001) to report dissatisfaction with life. Black females living with their mothers only were also significantly less likely (p<.001) to report dissatisfaction with life while black males living with their fathers only and white females living with their mother and another adult/adults were significantly more likely (p<.01) to report dissatisfaction with life. Differing family structures appear to exert disparate effects for life satisfaction on adolescents as a function of race and/or gender. Thus, a particular health promotion intervention may not benefit all adolescents. Intervention efforts must be tailored to adolescents’ specific race and gender characteristics.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants in this session will be able to

• Discuss the importance of adolescent subjective well-being research.
• Recognize the strengths of conducting analyses by race and gender, as differences do exist. 3)Construct better programs for "children of divorce".

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Behavioral Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.