(PS3-75) Under Pressure: The Role of Family Flexibility in the Well-Being of High-Achieving First-Generation Youth

Abstract Text: Youth whose caregiver(s) lack a four-year university degree (i.e., first-generation; FG), often face familial obligations tied to the pursuit of higher education and economic mobility, negatively impacting their health. Optimal family functioning has been shown to include family flexibility. As such, this study investigated whether family flexibility moderates the relationship between family pressure to attend college and psychological and somatic indicators of stress among high-achieving, FG high school students. Data for this study were drawn from a mindfulness prevention trial. Participants included 184 students (61.4% female; M_age = 16, SD_age = .63) identifying as Latinx (76.6%), Asian (19%), Black (1.1%), or Biracial/Multiracial (3.3%). Results revealed a significant interaction between family pressure and flexibility (b = -0.44, 95% CI [-0.82, -0.06], p < .05) on diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Family pressure was associated with higher DBP at low levels of flexibility (b = 0.63, 95% CI [0.11, 1.15], p < .05) but not moderate or high levels. These findings suggest that family flexibility may buffer the physiological impact of family pressure to attend college. While self-reported stress was not a significant predictor, experiencing pressure to attend college and low family flexibility may contribute to somatic stress responses. Interventions promoting healthy family dynamics may assist in mitigating negative health outcomes among high-achieving, FG youth.