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ABSTRACT
This study investigates the relationships among social isolation, psychological health, and protective factors in adolescents. Feelings of social isolation may influence psychological health in adolescents, but protective factors such as family connectedness, school connectedness, and academic achievement may also play a key role. The sample included 4,746 adolescents from 31 middle and high schools. Participants responded to 221 survey questions regarding peer relationships, psychological health, school connectedness, family relationships, and academic achievement. The findings revealed that social isolation was associated with an increased risk for depressive symptoms, suicide attempts, and low self-esteem. Protective factors influenced associations between social isolation and psychological health. Implications for prevention such as building healthy peer relationships, promoting family connectedness, and developing school-based interventions are discussed.
INTRODUCTION
Adolescence is a unique developmental period. It is a time characterized by a strong desire for independence combined with an increased need for social support from peers. One of the strongest indicators of psychological health in adolescents is a sense of meaningful connection with peers (Boivin, Hymel, & Bukowski, 1995; Rubin & Mills, 1988; Rubin & Stewart, 1996; Qualter & Munn, 2002). Thus, adolescence may be a time of particular psychological vulnerability to the risks associated with feelings of social isolation from peers.
Although feelings of social isolation may contribute to the occurrence of poor psychological health during adolescence, a question remains about the influence of protective factors on this relationship. A review of the literature on adolescent health presents an interesting research question: Can the protective elements of strong connections to school and family compensate for the absence of close and meaningful peer relationships during the adolescent years? Considering the potential negative outcomes of social isolation in adolescence, it follows that these protective factors may also buffer the potential negative psychological effects associated with feelings of social isolation in adolescence. Yet, the relationship between social isolation, psychological health risks, and related protective factors in adolescence is poorly understood.
Using a sample of 4,746 adolescents in grades 7-12 from a large, Midwestern metropolitan area, this study explores the associations between social isolation and psychological health such as depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and suicidal behavior. The influence of protective factors including family connectedness, school connectedness, and academic achievement is also examined.
LITERATURE REVIEW
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