Transitions to Adulthood: Postsecondary Education-Related Disparities in Health Lifestyles

• In Event: 30860 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 9. Social Determinants of Health Over the Life Course

Abstract

Despite strong evidence linking postsecondary education to healthier adult lifestyles, little is known about when and how these associations emerge. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), this study examines the relationship between completed levels of postsecondary education in adulthood and health lifestyles measured at multiple time points. Drawing on life course and health lifestyles theoretical frameworks, we assess six key health behaviors—binge drinking, smoking, marijuana use, physical activity, nutrition, and obesity—across young adulthood (ages 18–26), early adulthood (ages 24–32), and mid-adulthood (ages 33–43). Findings reveal that individuals with at least a bachelor’s degree exhibit healthier lifestyles throughout adulthood. In contrast, those with lower educational attainment display comparable health behaviors in young adulthood, with disparities emerging over time. These results suggest that postsecondary education-related behavioral disparities arise earlier in the life course than previously assumed. By incorporating multiple periods and a broad spectrum of health behaviors, this study extends prior research on education and health disparities. Findings highlight the importance of early interventions to promote healthier behavioral trajectories and offer new insights into the long-term effects of postsecondary education on health lifestyles.

Authors

• Anthony Jehn, St. Thomas University

• Greggory Cullen, Mount Royal University

• David Michael Walters, University of Guelph