ABSTRACT Background Adolescent school connectedness is a protective factor for adverse adult health outcomes, but its potential promotive effects on adult social connection have not been examined. Methods Data from 5 waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Waves I 1994–95 – V 2016–2018) were used to examine the covariate‐adjusted association between adolescent school connectedness (6 items, Wave II) and 6 indicators of adult social connection (Waves IV‐V). Results The 6501 respondents with complete data had a mean (SD) school connectedness score of 3.68 (0.70). Mean age at Waves II, IV, and V was 16.1, 28.0, and 37.1 years, respectively. A one unit increase in school connectedness was associated with significantly higher odds (95% CI) for 5 social connection indicators: weekly activities with relatives/friends or neighbors, 1.23 (1.10–1.37); having > 2 close friends, 1.36 (1.22–1.51); high perceived social support, 1.28 (1.14–1.44); never feeling isolated, 1.20 (1.07–1.36); and high relationship satisfaction with partner, 1.15 (1.002–1.321). The association for the 6th indicator (very close with either parent figure) was 0.98 (0.86–1.13). Implications Schools are foundational social communities for developing relational capacities with benefits extending into adulthood. Conclusions Adolescent school connectedness may promote adult social connection.
Dearth‐Wesley et al. (2026) studied this question.