Mediational models of health practices in early adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social support and positive health practices in early adolescents and to test two variables, depression and optimism, that mediate this relationship. The final sample included 128 adolescents, ages 12 to 14, who responded to instruments measuring social support, depression, optimism, and positive health practices in classroom settings. Correlational analysis supported the five hypothesized relationships. A series of regression analyses indicated that depression and optimism each were weak mediators of the relationship between social support and positive health practices. The application of findings to nursing is addressed, using the ACE Star Model for evidence-based practice.