Socioeconomic status and concussion reporting: The distinct and mediating roles of gist processing, knowledge, and attitudes

Abstract Improving health outcomes for concussed athletes and others requires self‐reporting symptoms; not reporting risks second‐impact syndrome death. However, concussions in adolescents young adults are often underreported. We treat as a risky decision, extending predictions of fuzzy‐trace theory (FTT). hypothesize that low SES indirectly interferes with the development cognitive skills reduce unhealthy decision making. Specifically, we expect may be related to intentions report concussion because delays gist processing reduces risk‐taking. Adolescents high‐school college ( n = 1211) answered questions about knowledge, attitudes, scales based on FTT: categorical thinking endorsement principles risk. Overall, each two age groups, well nonathletes, was associated intentions, this association mediated by three psychological predictors tested: processing, attitudes. Results consistent lower reducing opportunities normative development, latter characterized developmental increases Hence, hypotheses, healthier attitudes were greater concussions. Although educational initiatives currently focus rote knowledge healthy future interventions underreporting could benefit from explaining risk, especially youth, adapting successful FTT‐based risk‐reduction curricula other domains.