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The researchers defined school connectedness as an adolescent's experience of caring at school and sense of closeness to school personnel and environment.

"School violence has focused national attention on identifying youth who feel alienated, disconnected or stigmatized," says Dr. Bonny. "Connectedness has also emerged as a new concept in the literature on adolescent risk behavior."

For example, studies have shown that high school students with high connectedness have lower rates of emotional distress, tendencies toward suicide, violence, substance abuse, and early sexual initiation. School connectedness is more protective than any other factor -- including family connectedness -- against absenteeism, delinquency, multiple drug use, and pregnancy, according to Dr. Bonny.

"The association of school connectedness with health suggests a new strategy for the identification of, and intervention with, young people at highest risk for adverse outcomes," says Dr. Bonny. "School nurses may be an excellent resource for identifying disconnected youth, and school health providers could use these variables as markers of adolescents in need of assistance."

The study was conducted in conjunction with the evaluation of the Children First plan, a project of the Hamilton County Family and Children First Council.

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Contact: James Feuer
feuej0@chmcc.org
513-636-4656
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
5-Nov-2000