Parental Perceptions of Adolescent Connectedness and the Role of the Primary Care Provider

Introduction: Adolescent connectedness to adults, schools, and peers is a protective factor for development. This study aimed to describe parental perceptions of opportunities for youth connectedness and the potential role of the primary care provider in supporting these opportunities. Method: Eleven parents or caregivers of youth aged 11-18 years participated in semistructured interviews for a prospective qualitative descriptive study. Interview transcripts were analyzed using constant comparison and deductive and inductive coding. Results: Findings suggest that parents and caregivers view adolescent participation in activities as positive, and nonparental adults play a large role in influencing adolescent involvement in activities. Parents and caregivers did not recall discussing connectedness with their adolescent's primary care provider but would find this helpful. Discussion: Conversations about connectedness are missing from the well adolescent visit, and more research is needed to explore the most effective ways to have these discussions with adolescents and their parents or caregivers.