A new study published in Pediatrics highlights the importance of school and family connectedness for adolescent health. In the article, Steiner et al. analyze data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health which indicate that school connectedness is associated with improved mental health, fewer sexual partners, and reduced risk for reduced violence, STIs, and substance use later in life. Similarly, family connectedness is protective against emotional distress, violence, sexual risk behaviors and STIs, and substance use. Overall, having high levels of both school and family connectedness was associated with 48% to 66% lower odds of health risk behaviors and outcomes in adulthood.
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