Khullar, DhruvOreskovic, NicolasPerrin, JamesGoodman, Elizabeth2017-02-092011Khullar, Dhruv, Nicolas M. Oreskovic, James M. Perrin, and Elizabeth Goodman. 2011. “Optimism and the Socioeconomic Status Gradient in Adolescent Adiposity.” Journal of Adolescent Health 49 (5) (November): 553–555. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2011.04.003.1054-139Xhttp://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:30207925Purpose: To assess if dispositional optimism is associated with adiposity and explore if dispositional optimism mediates the relationship between parent education and adiposity (BMI z score). Methods: Multivariable regression analyses of data collected from 1298 non-Hispanic black and white 12–19 year olds from a single Midwestern public school district. Results: Less optimistic adolescents had higher BMI z scores (r = −0.09, p < 0.001). Addition of dispositional optimism to the regression model caused an approximately 10% attenuation of the parent education and BMI z score relationship. Sobel tests confirmed that this attenuation indicated partial mediation. Conclusion: Lower dispositional optimism is associated with higher adiposity and this association accounts for some of the influence of parent education on adolescent adiposity.en-USsocioeconomic statusdisparitiesdispositional optimismbody mass indexadiposityJournal Article2017-02-0910.1016/j.jadohealth.2011.04.003