J Sch Psychol. 2011 Aug;49(4):399-410. doi: 10.1016/j.jsp.2011.04.004. Epub 2011 Apr 21.

The impact of school connectedness on violent behavior, transport risk-taking behavior, and associated injuries in adolescence.

Chapman RL¹, Buckley L, Sheehan MC, Shochet IM, Romaniuk M.

Author information

1: Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety-Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia. rl.chapman@qut.edu.au

Abstract

Adolescents engage in many risk-taking behaviors that have the potential to lead to injury. The school environment has a significant role in shaping adolescent behavior, and this study aimed to provide additional information about the benefits associated with connectedness to school. Early adolescents aged 13 to 15 years (N=509, 49% boys) were surveyed about school connectedness, engagement in transport and violence risk-taking, and injury experiences. Significant relations were found between school connectedness and reduced engagement in both transport and violence risk-taking, as well as fewer associated injuries. This study has implications for the area of risk-taking and injury prevention, as it suggests the potential for reducing adolescents' injury through school based interventions targeting school connectedness.