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Connectedness to family, school, peers, and community in socially vulnerable adolescents

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  • Foster, Cynthia Ewell
  • Horwitz, Adam
  • Thomas, Alvin
  • Opperman, Kiel
  • Gipson, Polly
  • Burnside, Amanda
  • Stone, Deborah M.
  • King, Cheryl A.

Abstract

Youth who feel connected to people and institutions in their communities may be buffered from other risk factors in their lives. As a result, increasing connectedness has been recommended as a prevention strategy. In this study, we examined connectedness among 224 youth (ages 12–15), recruited from an urban medical emergency department, who were at elevated risk due to bullying perpetration or victimization, or low social connectedness. Regression analyses examined multiple domains of connectedness (family, school, peer, community) in relation to adjustment. Youth who felt more connected to parents reported lower levels of depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury, and conduct problems, higher self-esteem and more adaptive use of free time. Youth who felt more connected to their school reported lower levels of depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, social anxiety, and sexual activity, as well as higher levels of self-esteem and more adaptive use of free time. Community connectedness was associated with less social anxiety but more sexual activity, and peer connectedness was not related to youth adjustment in this unique sample. Findings suggest that family and school connectedness may buffer youth on a trajectory of risk, and may therefore be important potential targets for early intervention services.

Suggested Citation

  • Foster, Cynthia Ewell & Horwitz, Adam & Thomas, Alvin & Opperman, Kiel & Gipson, Polly & Burnside, Amanda & Stone, Deborah M. & King, Cheryl A., 2017. "Connectedness to family, school, peers, and community in socially vulnerable adolescents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 321-331.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:81:y:2017:i:c:p:321-331
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.08.011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Noble-Carr, Debbie & Barker, Justin & McArthur, Morag & Woodman, Elise, 2014. "Improving practice: The importance of connections in establishing positive identity and meaning in the lives of vulnerable young people," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 47(P3), pages 389-396.
    2. Ahrens, Kym R. & DuBois, David Lane & Garrison, Michelle & Spencer, Renee & Richardson, Laura P. & Lozano, Paula, 2011. "Qualitative exploration of relationships with important non-parental adults in the lives of youth in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 1012-1023, June.
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    1. Smyth, Emer & Darmody, Merike, 2021. "Risk and protective factors in adolescent behaviour: The role of family, school and neighbourhood characteristics in (mis)behaviour among young people," Research Series, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), number RS119.
    2. Berny, Lauren M. & Tanner-Smith, Emily E., 2024. "Interpersonal violence and suicide risk: Examining buffering effects of school and community connectedness," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    3. Danielle R. Eugene, 2021. "Connectedness to Family, School, and Neighborhood and Adolescents’ Internalizing Symptoms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-13, November.
    4. Offiong, Asari & Powell, Terrinieka W. & Lewis, Quiana & Smith, Bianca & Prioleau, Morgan, 2020. "“I missed open arms”: The need for connectedness among Black youth affected by parental drug use," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 114(C).
    5. Lucena, Natasha Lemos & Rossi, Thais Aranha & Azevedo, Laylla Mirella Galvão & Pereira, Marcos, 2022. "Self-injury prevalence in adolescents: A global systematic review and meta-analysis," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    6. Hill, Susan M. & Byrne, Matthew F. & Wenden, Elizabeth & Devine, Amanda & Miller, Margaret & Quinlan, Henrietta & Cross, Donna & Eastham, Judy & Chester, Miranda, 2023. "Models of school breakfast program implementation in Western Australia and the implications for supporting disadvantaged students," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    7. Helena Hautala & Hannu Lehti & Johanna Kallio, 2022. "Family background and classroom belonging among adolescent students in Finland," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 15(3), pages 863-883, June.
    8. Choi, Mijin & Lee, Sei-Young & Kim, Jangmin & Lee, Jungup, 2024. "The interaction of race/ethnicity and school-connectedness in presenting internalizing and externalizing behaviors among adolescents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    9. Kathuria, Tripti & Pandya, Apurva kumar, 2020. "Listen, I am too responsible! Effect of schooling on sense of trust, responsibility and belongingness to the community of children working on the street in Chandigarh City, India," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    10. Lamb, Brittani A. & Lee, Knoo & Espinoza, Sarah M. & McMorris, Barbara J., 2022. "The power of connectedness: Associations between caring non-parental adult relationships, school attendance, and discipline among foster-involved youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    11. Danielle R. Eugene & Jandel Crutchfield & Erica D. Robinson, 2021. "An Examination of Peer Victimization and Internalizing Problems through a Racial Equity Lens: Does School Connectedness Matter?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-18, January.

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