Title | Protective Effects of Adolescent-Adult Connection on Male Youth in Urban Environments. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2016 |
Authors | Culyba AJ, Ginsburg KR, Fein JA, Branas CC, Richmond TS, Wiebe DJ |
Journal | J Adolesc Health |
Volume | 58 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 237-40 |
Date Published | 2016 Feb |
ISSN | 1879-1972 |
Abstract | PURPOSE: Positive adult connection has been linked with protective effects among U.S. adolescents. Less is known about the impact of adult connection across multiple health domains for youth in low-resource urban environments. We examined the associations between adult connection and school performance, substance use, and violence exposure among youth in low-resource neighborhoods. METHODS: We recruited a population-based random sample of 283 male adolescents in Philadelphia. Age-adjusted logistic regression tested whether positive adult connection promoted school performance and protected against substance use and violence exposure. RESULTS: Youth with a positive adult connection had significantly higher odds of good school performance (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; p < .05), and lower odds of alcohol use (OR, .4; p < .05), violence involvement (OR, .3-.4; p < .05), and violence witnessing (OR, .3; p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Promoting adult connection may help safeguard youth in urban contexts. Youth-serving professionals should consider assessing adult connection as part of a strengths-based approach to health promotion for youth in low-resource neighborhoods. |
DOI | 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2015.10.247 |
Alternate Journal | J Adolesc Health |
PubMed ID | 26802994 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC4724385 |
Grant List | K02 AA017974 / AA / NIAAA NIH HHS / United States R01 AA014944 / AA / NIAAA NIH HHS / United States T32 HD043021 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States |