Disengaged or Bookworm: Academics, Mental Health, and Success for Sexual Minority Youth

Citation

Watson, Ryan J. & Russell, Stephen T. (2014). Disengaged or Bookworm: Academics, Mental Health, and Success for Sexual Minority Youth. Journal of Research on Adolescence. pp. n/a-n/a

Abstract

Same-sex attracted youth (SSAY) experience higher rates of negative mental health outcomes compared with their heterosexual peers; however, the association between sexual minority status and academic achievement is less clear. We used four waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to compare 1,279 ethnically diverse SSAY (57% male) based on the degree to which they were “engaged” (65%) or “disengaged” (35%) in school, classified through cluster analysis techniques. The pattern of results indicated significantly better mental health among the engaged group one and 6 years later (e.g., fewer depressive symptoms, less alcohol use), and more occupational and educational achievement eleven years later. The implications of school connection and achievement across a decade of life are discussed.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jora.12178

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Research on Adolescence

Author(s)

Watson, Ryan J.
Russell, Stephen T.

Year Published

2014

Pages

n/a-n/a

ISSN/ISBN

1532-7795

DOI

10.1111/jora.12178

Reference ID

5268