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The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Perceptions of Health and Wellness in African American Young Adults

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Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how African American young adults think about health and wellness in relation to their family and childhood experiences and how those experiences impact their perceptions of health and wellness in young adulthood. Twenty-five African American young adults participated in the study. Data collection took place at a Historically Black College. Physical, mental, and spiritual health were all included as contributing factors to living a healthy lifestyle. Further family and school experiences were cited as influences on health in wellness during childhood. The study concluded that childhood and family experiences do indeed impact perceptions of health and wellness in young adulthood.

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Correspondence to Jada E. Brooks.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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IRB approval was granted for the study. A consent form provided details of the study to participants and indicated that participants must grant permission to use their narrative in the study and be at least 18 years of age.

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Brooks, J.E., Moore, D.D. The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Perceptions of Health and Wellness in African American Young Adults. J Afr Am St 20, 183–201 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12111-016-9327-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12111-016-9327-3

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