Adolescent Profiles of Marginalization and Connection at School: Relations With Academics and Mental Health

School context serves as a testing ground for exploring social relationships and satisfying needs for connection and affirmation, but often includes feelings of rejection. With a diverse high school sample (n = 645; 55% female; 61% White, 18% African American, 10% Latino, 10% Asian American, 1% Multiracial), patterns of experiences with marginalization and connection were identified and their associations with achievement and mental health examined. Using two-step cluster analysis, three clusters were identified: above the fray, exposed and protected, and targeted and unsupported. Ethnic/racial background was not related to cluster membership. Except for gender and well-being, associations between cluster membership and outcomes were similar across demographic background. The above the fray and the exposed and protected clusters were associated with better outcomes.