Relationship of Adverse Family Experiences to Resilience and School Engagement Among Vermont Youth

Abstract

Introduction

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with a range of health outcomes and risk behaviors. In 2011–2012, the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) included questions about adverse family experiences (AFEs). AFE survey questions are similar to ACE questions, except there are no questions about emotional/physical/sexual trauma, and questions are asked of parents rather than children. Although the relationship between ACEs and work/school absenteeism has been studied, the relationships between AFEs of school-aged children, school performance, and buffering behaviors have not been explored in depth.

Methods

We examined AFEs and measures of resilience and school engagement among 1330 Vermont children (6–17 years) included in the NSCH, using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable analyses.

Results

The most prevalent AFEs were divorce/separation of parents; family income hardship; substance use problems; and mental illness, suicidality, or severe depression. Adjusting for sex, age, special health care needs, poverty level, and maternal physical/mental-emotional health status, children who had three or more AFEs had lower odds of completing all required homework [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–6.3] and higher odds of failing to exhibit resilience (AOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2–3.8), compared to children having no AFEs.

Discussion

Children with three or more AFEs had difficulty engaging in school and completing homework, though poor outcomes were buffered when children showed resilience. Parents, school-based mental health professionals, and teachers could help identify children who may be less resilient and have difficulties completing homework assignments. Preventive approaches to children's emotional problems (e.g., promoting family health, using family-based approaches to treat emotional/behavioral problems) could be applied in schools and communities to foster resilience and improve school engagement of children.

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