Purpose: To examine the association between parental support and participation in school and community activities and adolescent developmental outcomes and to propose an approach to intervention and health promotion for at-risk youth. Methods: Respondents included 653 students attending two inner-city middle schools who completed a survey assessing levels of family closeness and support, parent-child communication and parent participation in school and community activities. Key adolescent developmental outcomes measured included: 1) psychological well-being, 2) health attitudes and health behaviors (smoking cigarettes, smoking marijuana, drinking alcohol, fighting), 3) school attitudes and school behaviors and 4) civic attitudes and civic behaviors (perceptions regarding life chances, ability to "make a difference" and participation in after-school activities). Results: Students who reported high degrees of family closeness and support were much more likely to have positive attitudes and behaviors in all adolescent developmental areas measured. Parent-child communication about school was strongly associated with adolescent psychological well-being, some health attitudes and behaviors, and civic behaviors. Parent participation in school and community activities was significantly associated with adolescent health attitudes, drinking alcohol, cutting school, school attitudes, civic behaviors and the attitude "I can make a difference". Conclusions: Prior studies have emphasized the importance of parental participation for improving academic outcomes for at-risk youth. This study demonstrates that parental support and participation is important not only for school success but also for the overall healthy development of adolescents. It is important that health professionals and educators develop mechanisms to involve parents actively in adolescent health promotion programs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to: 1. List three types of parental support and participation that significantly impact adolescent outcomes. 2. List at least three adolescent health outcomes that are associated with parental support and participation. 3. Recommend at least two approaches for effective health promotion for inner-city middle school students.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, School-Based Programs
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Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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