This paper examines the impact of high-fatality school shootings on the subsequent outcomes of the survivors of those events. We focus specifically on the shootings at Columbine High School (Littleton, CO), Sandy Hook Elementary (Newtown, CT), and Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School (Parkland, FL). We assess the subsequent educational record,…

Youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and who identify with other sexual orientations (LGB +) are at higher risk for illicit drug use and have higher rates of mental illness. The current study examined the prevalence of illicit drug use among LGB+ persons and assessed the moderating effect of mental illness. Cross-sectional data from the 2015,…

Adolescents with food allergies (FA) face unique challenges, including an increased risk of bullying, yet comprehensive national studies on this intersection are lacking. Our study examines the prevalence and association between FA and bullying among US high-school adolescents, utilizing Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2015-2019) data. Analyzing…

Controversial findings on the role of school ethnic diversity on ethnic bullying and victimization suggest the relevance of different categorizations of ethnicity in understanding this association. The present study aims to use an operationalization of both social/legal (i.e., citizenship status) and perceptual (i.e., others' perception of…

Background: Food insecurity (FI) rates in the United States are particularly high among households with children. This research set aims to analyze if high school students experiencing FI had higher risk for mental health and suicidal behaviors. Methods: Using combined data from 11 states that conducted the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a total…

Research has indicated that early sexual intercourse in high school is associated with poor health outcomes such as unintentional pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). What is lacking in the research is an understanding of the relationship between even earlier sexual initiation (i.e., before the age of 13) and alcohol, tobacco, and…

This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of former high school African immigrant students (AIS) in US classrooms. Using a theoretical framework that drew from funds of knowledge and racist nativism, the literature review focuses on risk factors and factors that promote success for AIS, including both deficit and asset-based approaches…

The relationship between youth-fitness test items related to cardiorespiratory endurance and body composition and health outcomes is well established. Until recent years, the link between musculoskeletal fitness measures and health markers has been less conclusive. The information provided in this article offers evidence of the health links…

On April 20, 1999, two Columbine High School students started a shooting rampage, ultimately killing 12 students and one teacher, wounding 21 victims, then completing suicide. Using media frame analysis (MFA), we examined 265 transcribed major network television news stories aired during the 48 hours following the shooting. In these stories, we…

This phenomenological qualitative study used a descriptive questionnaire and interview protocol to explore the perceptions of African American students regarding how bias and microaggressions impact their performance and classroom culture in a high school in an at-risk environment. A qualitative phenomenological approach was chosen because it aids…

Background: Sexual violence (SV) is a serious public health concern, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth report higher rates than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. This qualitative study aimed to understand LGBTQ+ students' perspectives on how middle and high school environments can better prevent…

Background: Adolescent suicide is a public health issue, and school is an ideal setting for prevention activities. LEARN is a peer-led gatekeeper training for high school personnel, parents, and students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of LEARN as a gatekeeper training. Methods: Paired t tests were used to compare pre-…

This article shows how the self-determined learning environment in "Paths," an innovative teacher-education (TE) program, enables students to experience meaningful learning which reinforces their mental wellbeing and resilience. According to the self-determination theory (SDT), a central goal of such a learning environment is to support…

Sexual minority adolescents have worse sleep health than their peers. Adolescents who identify as heterosexual and report prior same-sex sexual contact (termed 'discordant heterosexuals') have elevated health risks, but little is known about this group's sleep health. This study examined 2015-2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data (n = 12,773 high…

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are highly prevalent among adolescents, and peers are often the first, and sometimes only, people to know about youth suicidality. Since many adolescents do not directly disclose suicidal thoughts, school-based suicide prevention programs aim to train youth to recognize warning signs of suicide in their peers that…