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Perceptions of School Climate Shape Adolescent Health Behavior: A Longitudinal Multischool Study
Michelle Y Ko1, Sofia M Rosenberg2, Benjamin P L Meza3
1Medical Student, (MYKo@mednet.ucla.edu), David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
The Journal of School Health
|November 21, 2022
Summary
Positive school climate, including order and teacher respect, is linked to better adolescent health and academic success. These findings highlight modifiable factors for improving student well-being and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Educational Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- School climate significantly influences adolescent behaviors and academic achievement.
- Longitudinal studies are crucial for understanding the impact of school environment on student outcomes.
- Previous research suggests a link between school environment and student well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the longitudinal associations between school climate measures and subsequent health and academic outcomes in adolescents.
- To identify specific aspects of school climate that predict adolescent risk behaviors and academic performance.
- To provide evidence for interventions aimed at improving school environments.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of longitudinal survey data from public high school students in Los Angeles.
- Modeling of 11th-grade health and academic outcomes (e.g., substance use, college matriculation) as a function of 10th-grade school climate.
- Inclusion of control variables such as baseline outcomes and student/parental covariates.
Main Results:
- Greater school order and teacher respect were associated with reduced odds of adolescent alcohol and cannabis use.
- A neglectful disciplinary style correlated with adverse health and academic outcomes.
- A permissive disciplinary style was linked to more favorable academic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Specific, modifiable aspects of the school environment have critical implications for adolescent life course health.
- School health practitioners can utilize school environment, teacher-student relationships, and disciplinary styles to foster health and learning.
- Interventions targeting school climate can promote both health and academic success in students.
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