Applying Durkheim's theory of solidarity to health promotion for multiethnic urban youth

Understanding the social contexts of adolescent health behaviors is important for developing effective interventions. Disadvantaged youth have societal obstacles and strengths that distinguish them from the mainstream. Durkheim's theory suggests that in such populations, creating solidarity is a unique adaptive response. In this presentation we offer an example of applying Durkheim's theory to formative research and intervention development by examining qualitative data on physical activity (PA) in multiethnic urban adolescents using a solidarity perspective. Data include semi-structured interviews (N=10) and focus groups (N=6) with NYC adolescents and interviews (N=10) with afterschool program providers. Findings suggest that both adolescents and program leaders perceive minority urban youth as unwelcome in society and subject to fears based on race, dress, and image. Adolescent strategies for combating the resulting alienation included creating social subgroups with their own rules and norms, such as favoring PAs that affirm their group membership (eg. basketball or Suicide), or by adapting PAs to their specific environments and needs. In contrast, the approach of some program providers was to focus on increasing adolescents' exposures to and comfort with what they perceived as more mainstream PAs. However, many program providers expressed frustration and defeat in such efforts. Although solidarity was not the intent of the original study it emerged as a critical factor for understanding the experiences of urban youth. Addressing solidarity among disadvantaged minority youth may be a more successful way to engage them in health interventions. Examples of applications to PA promotion interventions will be provided.