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School Belonging among Low-Income Urban Youth with Disabilities: Testing a Theoretical Model
Psychology in the Schools (2008)
  • Susan D McMahon, DePaul University
  • Anna L Parnes, DePaul University
  • Christopher J Keys, DePaul University
  • Judah J Viola
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
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/