Adolescent School Belonging and Mental Health Outcomes in Young Adulthood: Findings from a Multi-wave Prospective Cohort Study

Kelly-Ann Allen; Christopher J Greenwood; Emily Berger; Lefteris Patlamazoglou; Andrea Reupert; Gerald Wurf; Fiona May; Meredith O'Connor; Ann Sanson; Craig A Olsson; Primrose Letcher

Journal article

Adolescent School Belonging and Mental Health Outcomes in Young Adulthood: Findings from a Multi-wave Prospective Cohort Study

Kelly-Ann Allen, Christopher J Greenwood, Emily Berger, Lefteris Patlamazoglou, Andrea Reupert, Gerald Wurf, Fiona May, Meredith O'Connor, Ann Sanson, Craig A Olsson, Primrose Letcher

School Mental Health | Springer | Published : 2024

DOI: 10.1007/s12310-023-09626-6

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Abstract

School belonging, sometimes referred to as school belonging or school connectedness, involves dimensions like positive affect towards school, relationships with teachers, and feeling socially valued. Previous research points to immediate benefits for students’ mental health and wellbeing; however, evidence on the potential long-term benefits of school belonging for mental health—once young people leave the school setting—is limited. This study used data on 1568 adults from the Australian Temperament Project (ATP), a 16-wave longitudinal study which has tracked participants since infancy. The short form of the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) School Life Questionnaire was us..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Kelly-Ann Allen Author

Meredith O'Connor Author

Ann Sanson Author

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Funding Acknowledgements

We acknowledge all collaborators who have contributed to the Australian Temperament Project, especially Professors Margot Prior, Frank Oberklaid, and Dr. Diana Smart. We would also like to sincerely thank the participating families for their time and invaluable contribution to the study.