The relationship between connectedness and mental health symptoms among Black youth involved in the juvenile justice system: a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model

Melissa L. Villodas, Daniel Gibbs, Amy Blank Wilson, Michelle R. Munson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Using data from the Pathways to Desistance Project, this study examined the bi-directional and longitudinal relationship between mental health symptoms and connectedness among 561 system involved Black youth. Higher mental health symptom scores at baseline increased connectedness scores one year later. Connectedness scores increased for two consecutive years until the transition to adulthood when participants were on average 19–20 years-old. During the transition to adulthood, mental health symptom scores worsened, highlighting the transition to adulthood as a key timepoint to administer supportive interventions addressing the mental health needs of Black youth who interact with the juvenile justice system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)455-474
Number of pages20
JournalSocial Work in Mental Health
Volume21
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Mental health
  • black youth
  • connectedness
  • juvenile justice
  • transition to adulthood

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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