Abstract
In the U.S., there is a strong national interest in social connectedness as a key determinant in promoting positive well-being in adolescents through building strong bonds and creating protective relationships that support adolescent mental health. To this end, this study examined whether, and to what extent, specific types of connectedness to family, school, and neighborhood were associated with internalizing symptoms (i.e., depression and anxiety) among a diverse sample of adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds. The sample (n = 2590) was majority male (51%), with an average age of 15.6 years, and identified as Black (49%) and Hispanic/Latino (26%). The results revealed that adolescents who reported strong connections to their parent (β = −0.128, p < 0.001), school (β = −0.222, p < 0.001), and neighborhood (β = −0.116, p = 0.003) were more likely to report lower levels of depressive symptomology, with school connectedness exerting a greater influence. In addition, parent connectedness (β = −0.157, p < 0.001) and school connectedness (β = −0.166, p < 0.001) were significantly related to teen anxiety; however, neighborhood connectedness was not (β = −0.123, p = 0.087). The findings have important implications, which are discussed.
Highlights
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number ofU.S adolescents reporting internalizing symptomology continues to rise [1]
This study examined if specific types of connectedness to family, school, and neighborhood were associated with internalizing symptoms among an adolescent sample that is disproportionately from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds
The data were retrieved from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS)
Summary
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number ofU.S adolescents reporting internalizing symptomology continues to rise [1]. Depression is characterized as persistent sadness, hopelessness, or an irritable mood and anxiety is often referred to as excessive fear or worry [5] These conditions have been associated with serious negative outcomes for youth including lower educational achievement, illicit substance use, risky sexual behavior, delinquent behavior, and increased suicide risk [6]. These internalizing symptoms frequently persist into adulthood and are associated with an increased risk of co-occurring disorders, criminal involvement, lower wage earnings, and early mortality [7]
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