Study sheds light on the positive role of school connectedness for adolescents

A study co-authored by Jangmin Kim, PhD, assistant professor in the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, is shedding light on the positive role that school connectedness — or feeling accepted and cared for within a school setting — has for adolescents. The study goes on to suggest that school connectedness can significantly reduce psychological and behavioral problems, but that its effect differs by race and ethnicity.

The article — titled “The interaction of race/ethnicity and school connectedness in presenting internalizing and externalizing behaviors among adolescents” — appeared in Children and Youth Services Review.

Kim's colleagues included lead author Mijin Choi, PhD, from Texas State University and co-authors Sei-Young Lee, PhD, from the University of Northern Iowa and Jungup Lee, PhD, from the National University of Singapore.

Background

A sense of school connectedness is a protective factor for reducing problematic behaviors among adolescents. However, there have been limited studies that have identified differences in the effects of school connectedness on the behaviors among diverse races/ethnicities.

Objective

This study examined the associations of school connectedness with internalizing and externalizing behaviors and the moderation effect of race/ethnicity on these associations.

Methods

Data came from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, wave 6 (n = 976). Multiple regression models and conditional process analysis were used.

Results

A higher level of school connectedness was associated with lower internalizing and externalizing behaviors. However, this association was weaker and less significant for adolescents of color than for white adolescents. School connectedness plays a positive role in decreasing their internalizing and externalizing behaviors, but the magnitudes of effects differ by race/ethnicity. Strategies to build a more culturally responsive school environment are recommended to strengthen the positive role of school connectedness for adolescents of color.