Examining the Correlations between Parent-Adolescent Communication, High School Students’ Trust in Teachers, and Feelings of School Avoidance

Abstract

[Purpose]

This study examines the correlations between (i) parent-adolescent communication about class teachers, (ii) high school students’ trust in teachers, and (iii) the feeling of school avoidance.

Methods: For the purpose of this study, a questionnaire was distributed among high school students (N=250, 125 boys and 125 girls). The questionnaire was registered with MELLLINKS, an online survey company. Consent was obtained from the participants.

[Results]

Positive correlations were observed between (i) favorable communication about class teachers between parents and children, (ii) students’ sense of security with teachers, and (iii) students’ assessment of teachers’ role accomplishment. Positive correlations were also observed between (i) negative communication about class teachers between parents and adolescents, (ii) students’ distrust of teachers, and (iii) feelings of school avoidance.

[Discussion/Conclusion]

The results suggest that parents’ trust in teachers might enable students to trust their teachers as well. Additionally, it is also important to encourage parents to form positive evaluations of teachers in order to alleviate high school students’ feeling of school avoidance.