Comparing the Depressive Health Profiles Among U.S. Adolescents Who Have Been School Disciplined and School Policed: A Person-Centered Approach

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to identify nuanced depressive subgroups among adolescents (by race, ethnicity, and sex) who have experienced school discipline and school policing. Adolescents (N = 4,898) from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing (FFCWS) were used to conduct a latent class analysis to examine the subgroup differences among adolescents regarding school discipline, school policing, and depressive symptoms. The study identified three classes of adolescents: (a) “mostly not disciplined and not stopped by police,” (b) “mostly disciplined and had police regularly stationed,” and (c) “mostly had police regularly stationed and saw other youths policed at school.” The mental health needs of Black girls surpass their peers. Educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers should identify specific interventions.

Keywords

adolescent mental health adolescent depressive symptoms health disparities school discipline school policing latent class analysis

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