Article
School Belonging among Low-Income Urban Youth with Disabilities: Testing a Theoretical Model
Psychology in the Schools
(2008)
Abstract
Positive school environments and school belonging have been associated with a variety of positive academic, social, and psychological outcomes among youth. Yet, it is not clear how these constructs are related, and few studies have focused on urban at-risk youth with disabilities. This study examines baseline survey data from 136 low-income African American and Latino students in grades 5 to 12, most of whom have disabilities, recently transferred following a school closure. Using structural equation modeling, we tested a model that examined the relationships among school stressors and resources, school belonging, academic outcomes (school satisfaction and academic self-efficacy), and psychological outcomes (anxiety and depression). This model was an excellent fit with the data, and findings indicate that school belonging plays a central role in explaining how school context can affect both psychological and academic outcomes. This model has implications for school-based interventions that can enhance student success and well-being.
Keywords
- Disability,
- Disabilities,
- Student Transitions,
- Structural Equation Modeling,
- Self-Efficicacy,
- School Closing,
- Low Income,
- Student Adjustment,
- School Belonging,
- African American Students,
- Hispanic Students,
- High Risk Students
Disciplines
- Community Psychology,
- Health Policy,
- Health Psychology,
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology,
- Peace and Conflict Studies,
- Psychology,
- Public Administration,
- Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration,
- Public Policy,
- Social Welfare,
- Sociology,
- Urban Studies and
- Urban Studies and Planning
Publication Date
May, 2008
Citation Information
Susan D McMahon, Anna L Parnes, Christopher J Keys and Judah J Viola. "School Belonging among Low-Income Urban Youth with Disabilities: Testing a Theoretical Model" Psychology in the Schools Vol. 45 Iss. 5 (2008) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/judah_viola/5/