Social differences in health behaviors contribute to health inequalities. This study investigates the long-term effects of discrimination on adolescent well-being and the mediating role of protective and risky health behaviors, addressing a significant gap in current research which primarily focuses on risk behaviors. Utilizing data from 7,609 adolescents in the CILS4EU study, a multinational panel over three years, this research employed structural equation modeling to explore the prospective relationships between discrimination, well-being, and health behaviors. The average age at the first measurement was 15 years. Preliminary findings revealed significant associations between discrimination and decreased protective health behaviors, namely physical activity, eating behavior, sleep (βs = -.05 to -.03, ps .657). The findings underscore the need to consider health behaviors when examining how discrimination impacts well-being. The adverse impact of discrimination on health behaviors during adolescence, a critical period for establishing lifelong health habits, is particularly concerning. The modifiable nature of health behaviors presents vital avenues for targeted intervention and prevention strategies, which can significantly contribute to reducing health inequalities long-term.
