The Importance of Connection

Feeling connected plays a pivotal role in the mental health of young people. A 2019 study looked at how family and school connectedness in adolescents impacted mental health outcomes. This includes how close young people are with their parents and siblings, how much their parents care about them, and a positive family understanding. School connectedness was measured by how close adolescents felt to their peers at school and whether or not they felt that their teachers care for them and their wellbeing.

Researchers found that higher levels of family and school connectedness were associated with lower levels of physical violence, sexual promiscuity, STDs and drug-use. School connectedness was also found to be associated with lower levels of suicidal ideation and family connectedness was found to be associated with lower levels of intimate partner violence or domestic violence, both sexual and physical.

To read the full study, click here.