School Climate and Substance Use Among LGB Homeless High School Students: A Statewide Study

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: School Climate Experiences of Marginalized Student Groups

Abstract

This study examines the role of school-climate with relation to recent substance use and in-school substance use for LGB homeless and non-homeless students (n=31,538). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between school climate (school connectedness and caring relationships) and past-30-day and in-school use of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, prescription pain medication and other illegal drugs, for LGB homeless and non-homeless students. The results indicated that school connectedness and school adult support moderated the relationship between homelessness and some substance use indicators. The results indicate that a positive school-climate may serve as a protective factor for LGB homeless students and highlight the need for substance use prevention interventions that integrate school connectedness and supportive relationships in school.

Authors

• Hadass Moore, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Kris M. De Pedro, Chapman University