Stressful Life Events and Secondary School Student Connections to School Support

• In Event: Health in Schools and Preservice Programs

Abstract

There is little known about adolescents’ preferred resources for help and how significant life events influence student utilization of school supports. This study examines the relationship between stressful life events and student access of school supports. Three hundred and twelve secondary students completed the Stressful Life Events Checklist measuring life events experienced recently by students. Reported events over the course of a school year were examined in relation to student awareness and access of school supports. It was found that female students were more likely to report experience of a significant life event and were also more likely to access supports in the school. However, male students were more likely to report lower grades and academic expectations.

Author

• Katherine Marian Thompson, OISE/University of Toronto