A Prospective Study of the Association Between School Connectedness in Adolescence and Social Connection in Adulthood.

BACKGROUND

Adolescent school connectedness is a protective factor for adverse adult health outcomes, but its potential promotive effects on adult social connection have not been examined.

METHODS

Data from 5 waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Waves I [1994-95] - V [2016-2018]) were used to examine the covariate-adjusted association between adolescent school connectedness (6 items, Wave II) and 6 indicators of adult social connection (Waves IV-V).

RESULTS

The 6501 respondents with complete data had a mean (SD) school connectedness score of 3.68 (0.70). Mean age at Waves II, IV, and V was 16.1, 28.0, and 37.1 years, respectively. A one unit increase in school connectedness was associated with significantly higher odds (95% CI) for 5 social connection indicators: weekly activities with relatives/friends or neighbors, 1.23 (1.10-1.37); having > 2 close friends, 1.36 (1.22-1.51); high perceived social support, 1.28 (1.14-1.44); never feeling isolated, 1.20 (1.07-1.36); and high relationship satisfaction with partner, 1.15 (1.002-1.321). The association for the 6th indicator (very close with either parent figure) was 0.98 (0.86-1.13).

IMPLICATIONS: Schools are foundational social communities for developing relational capacities with benefits extending into adulthood.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent school connectedness may promote adult social connection.