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Comparing Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health Risks among Youth Attending Public versus Parochial Schools
Journal of School Violence
Short Title: Journal of School Violence
Format: Journal Article
Publication Date: 2018/01/01/
Pages: 381 - 391
Sources ID: 90531
Notes: Accession Number: EJ1179553; Sponsoring Agency: Department of Education (ED); Acquisition Information: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals; Language: English; Education Level: High Schools; Reference Count: 44; Journal Code: SEP2018; Level of Availability: Not available from ERIC; Publication Type: Academic Journal; Publication Type: Report; Entry Date: 2018
Visibility: Public (group default)
Abstract: (Show)
Parochial schools are assumed to provide better social and academic experiences; however, few studies account for selection bias when comparing with public schools. This study contrasted public versus parochial schools using propensity score matching across a range of outcomes (e.g., perceptions of school, emotional symptoms, substance use, bullying). Using a sample of 58 public and 5 parochial high schools, the nonmatched analyses suggested a significant advantage for parochial schools students (e.g., better on 23 of 32 indicators). However, the propensity score matched analyses revealed nine differences (e.g., weapon carrying, smoking), two of which (i.e., stress and cyberbullying) favored public schools. While at first glance parochial schools generally appear to be healthier and safer learning environments, accounting for selection bias, the gap was narrowed. Students in parochial schools may struggle with issues related to social, emotional, and behavioral health risk, and thus prevention programs should also be implemented in these settings.