Home, School, and Community

Abstract

As the demographic profile of the United States continues to change, so do the challenges associated with the health and well-being of our youth in United States society. Differences in racial/ethnic background, region, socio-economics, language, values, and ability are among the issues of cultural diversity that are represented by children and their families. As a result, each year an increasing number of students are entering schools with life circumstances that teachers and school personnel are not prepared to address (Costello, 1996). These multiple and interlocking aspects of cultural diversity have been associated with the ability of children to succeed in school and in life. Consequently, a major focus in the education and psychological literature is the overall health and well-being of children and youth in a changing society. Research in this area has focused on two critical aspects affecting overall health and development. First, researchers have identified at-risk factors that interfere with healthy development in children and adolescents (Thompson, 2002). Secondly, protective factors that increase the likelihood that children and youth will succeed in school and in life have been studied (Barr & Parrett, 2001). Following this line of research, this chapter highlights stressors in schools, families, and communities that threaten the health and well-being of youth in today’s society. Protective factors or characteristics of resilience that help in overcoming potential stressors are reviewed.