School Climate and Perceived Discrimination: Associations with Teen Mental Health

Abstract Introduction Mental health challenges and suicidal behaviors represent a significant public health concern. This study examines the associations between school connectedness, perceived racial discrimination, and mental health outcomes among U.S. high school students. Methods Data were drawn from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a nationally representative survey of high school students in the United States. Primary independent variables included school connectedness and perceived racial discrimination, with a composite measure derived to represent the intersection of these two factors. Dependent variables were poor mental health, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to analyze these relationships. Results The findings indicate that lower school connectedness and higher perceived racial discrimination are significantly associated with poor mental health, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts. Specifically, students reporting lower school connectedness and higher perceived racial discrimination had significantly higher odds of poor mental health (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.32 – 1.46), suicidal ideation (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.35 – 1.50), and suicide attempts (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.29 – 1.45). Furthermore, a dose–response association was observed, wherein the frequency of perceived racial discrimination was associated with progressively higher odds of experiencing adverse mental health outcomes. Conclusion This study reveals significant associations between lower school connectedness, perceived racial discrimination, and adverse mental health among adolescents. These findings underscore the importance of fostering supportive school environments to promote positive adolescent health.