School Connectedness of College Students: Prospects for Positive Youth Development in Schools

Jerome  A. Ouano,

School Connectedness of College Students: Prospects for Positive Youth Development in Schools

Abstract:

School connectedness is a protective factor for college students to be able to face the challenges of college life, but there is dearth of relevant discussion among school-based mental health professionals in higher education institutions (HEI) in the Philippines. The current study sought to initiate a descriptive study on school connectedness of Filipino college students to motivate a discussion on the matter. Data were obtained from 655 college students from 18 HEI through a survey. School connectedness was observed to be at a moderate level, but significantly higher in females, those in their fourth year level of studies, and those who are in the social science and education programs. Results are discussed using positive youth development as a springboard for motivating relevant future conversations in HEI.