Health Psychology, Vol 44(9), Sep 2025, 854-865; doi:10.1037/hea0001496
Objective: Adolescence is a pivotal foundation for lifelong health and a phase vulnerable to the adverse effects of discrimination. We assessed the impact of perceived discrimination on adolescent well-being over 2 years and the mediating effects of protective (physical activity, nutrition, and sleep) and risky (substance use) health behaviors. Method: Adolescents (N = 9,957; Mage = 14.90 years) from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Survey in Four European Countries multinational panel (a longitudinal survey in four European countries) were examined across three waves. Direct and indirect relationships were analyzed using path models, adjusting for health behaviors, well-being, and control variables (age, gender, socioeconomic status, migration, and religion) assessed in Wave 1. Results: Adolescents reported the most discrimination instances within the school environment. Perceived discrimination at Wave 1 was significantly associated with decreased well-being at Wave 3 (β = −.04, p