Longitudinal Peer-Based Perceived Discrimination and Adolescent Impulsivity

Abstract Objective Perceived discrimination (DIS) and impulsivity share overlapping neural correlates (i.e., prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, amygdala, insula), which are shaped throughout adolescence by developmental changes. We hypothesized DIS comprises distinct forms that increase over time and lead to increased impulsivity. Method We analyzed longitudinal data from 2766 adolescents (48.08% female) from the ABCD Study at the 1-year follow-up (1YFU; ages 9–12), 2YFU (10–14), and 4YFU (12–15). We conducted an exploratory factor analysis at each timepoint using seven questions from the Measure of Perceived Discrimination. We estimated three latent growth curves (LGCM) to model the longitudinal trajectory for each latent factor of DIS and its association with impulsivity at the 4YFU. Results The seven MPD questions loaded onto three latent factors similarly at all three timepoints with factor loadings >0.40: (1) ethnic/cultural discrimination from adults, (2) ethnic/cultural discrimination from peers, and (3) exclusion and rejection from society. A quadratic model including age and sex at birth best fit the LGCMs. Higher initial DIS predicted smaller increases over time (p’s < 0.001) with curvilinear trajectories. The initial level for all three forms of DIS at 1YFU were associated with impulsivity at 4YFU; however, although all three forms of DIS increased from 1YFU to 4YFU, only increases in peer DIS predicted impulsivity at 4YFU (p < 0.001). Conclusion Findings underscore the importance of identifying discrimination sources to inform youth-focused prevention and intervention. Future research should adopt a lens of critical consciousness to understand how these results map onto peer dynamics, social group exclusion, and perceived unfairness within one’s peer environment.