Secondary School, Family, and Educational Risk: Comparing American Indian Adolescents and Their Peers

Abstract

Adolescent self-reports of family connectedness, educational commitment, and education-related risktaking behavior were examined from a sample of over 6,000 public school students, with a focus on American Indians. Findings indicate that low family connectedness is associated with decreased educational commitment and an increased risk of absenteeism, substance use before and during school hours, and the purchase of alcohol or drugs on campus. American Indian youth report lower levels of connectedness to family and poorer educational performance than African American and Caucasian peers and engage in higher rates of risk taking. American Indian adolescents residing outside of the reservation may be vulnerable to increased familial stress and encounter cultural conflicts in mainstream educational settings.