Citation

Whitlock J. J. Community Psychol. 2007; 35(4): 499-518.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/jcop.20161

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Communities are critical arenas for adolescent development. This study uses mixed methods to assess contextual correlates to community connectedness in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade youth. The survey examined the relationship between community connectedness and four developmental supports: safety, community monitoring, creative outlets, and meaningful opportunities for exercising influence, as well as demographic and contextual control variables. Focus groups were used to identify other potentially salient contextual correlates. Findings suggest that youth connectedness to community was influenced by: (a) quality of youth-adult exchange, (b) availability of outlets for creative engagement, (c) well advertised opportunities for meaningful input, (d) safety, (e) perceived welcome in public spaces, (f) knowledge of community events, and (g) awareness of youth impact on community policies. Positive relationships with at least one parent, grade level, group involvement, and race also contributed to connectedness. Findings provide support for a multifaceted conceptualization of community connectedness. Implications for communities hoping to enhance connectedness are discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 35: 499–518, 2007.