Childhood Adversity, Resilience, and Achievement Levels

Alexis Henriquez, Pace University

Abstract

The current study aims to evaluate the potential effect of preterm birth, low birth weight, or adverse childhood experiences on subsequent academic achievement, psychological distress, and resiliency levels. A total of 240 (including 52 formerly premature infants) participants enrolled in colleges across the United States completed an online survey. Participants were asked to report demographics and complete various measures which include physical symptoms, interpersonal support, adverse childhood experiences, measures of achievement, psychological distress, and resiliency. The primary analyses results indicate that preterm birth was correlated with depressive symptoms, but not with academic achievement or resilience. Additionally, low birth weight was associated with academic achievement measures in high school, but not college, and increased depressive symptoms. However, low birth weight was not associated with resilience levels. Adverse childhood experiences were positively correlated with achievement measures in high school and negatively correlated with depressive symptoms. Adverse childhood experiences were not associated with resilience levels. These findings provide preliminary evidence that early birth complications and adverse childhood experiences can have a profound impact on subsequent academic achievement and psychological distress in adolescence and young adulthood. Further research into preterm birth and low birth weights effects on resilience levels should continue to be explored.

Subject Area

Psychology|Clinical psychology|Developmental psychology

Recommended Citation

Henriquez, Alexis, "Childhood Adversity, Resilience, and Achievement Levels" (2024). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI30993877.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI30993877

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