Leveraging the power of a community-engaged framework to examine youth perspectives on stress among Hartford Black and Latine youth

Abstract

Introduction

COVID-19 amplified stress and inequities; particularly among youth in marginalized communities. Yet, there is a research gap concerning youth’s perspectives on stress; particularly during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Using a community-based participatory research approach, the conception and execution of this study was conducted with Compass Youth Collaborative (CYC), a community-based organization in Hartford, CT. CYC supports youth impacted by gun violence using a street outreach model. In 2021, four focus groups with adolescents were held (N = 26). Focus groups were facilitated by study staff alongside CYC staff and youth co-researchers, transcribed, analyzed and coded.

Results

Focus groups elicited four major themes regarding stress among youth: 1). Experiences of intergenerational stress and trauma, 2). Exacerbation of stress stemming from social media, 3). Experiences of community violence and lack of safety, and 4). Stress related to school and learning.

Conclusions

We facilitated a respectful and collaborative environment to center youths’ own perspectives, which are under-represented in the literature. Data suggest that youth experience stress and trauma stemming from systemic community violence, intergenerational stress and the consequences of COVID–19. Intergenerational interventions and intervening on stress in younger ages may be an important preventative measure for health.