Understanding the Association between Adolescent Well-being and School-Related Factors in Aotearoa Secondary Schools Using Case Studies

Abstract

Adolescent well-being is critical to overall health. There is vast research and evidence on schools as important developmental contexts. However, more in-depth research is needed to examine the role of schools in supporting student mental well-being. The current study adopted a case-based methodology to examine the differences in student experiences of their school environment, including interpersonal relationships, school practices and policies, and to what extent this difference impacts student well-being. Using secondary data from the Youth19 secondary school study, completed by students and staff, four schools were selected (two with a high proportion and two with a low proportion of students with good mental well-being) to examine the association between school-related factors and adolescent well-being. While the overall results did not show vast differences between schools in the high vs low well-being groups, this research suggests that bullying, teacher unfairness, and ethnic discrimination may be potential factors contributing to low levels of student well-being. Schools are well-placed to reduce disparities and address inequities among adolescents by creating contexts promoting well-being for young people who spend much of their time in these spaces. This research has implications for policymakers and school leadership to reform the existing education structure at the staff and student levels to create anti-bullying cultures and inclusive school environments to establish schools as a place that facilitate mental well-being for all students.