The GED (General Educational Development) Test and Adult Functioning: Equal Outcomes for Equivalence Recipients?

• In Event: Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: Adult Functioning: GED (General Educational Development) and Relationships

Abstract

Utilizing longitudinal data from the Seattle Social Development Project (SSDP), this study examines the relationship between high school educational attainment and adult functioning outcomes at age 33, including substance use and mental health, with a particular focus on GED recipients. Initial results indicate that GED recipients and dropouts are statistically indistinguishable in level of alcohol abuse disorder symptoms and when compared to high school graduates, experienced higher rates. We also found that having a GED was associated with a lower rate in alcohol dependence disorder symptoms, compared to dropouts, but had a higher rate when compared to high school diploma recipients. Postsecondary educational attainment is examined as a possible mechanism explaining this link.

Authors

• Lacey Ann Hartigan, University of Washington

• Jungeun Olivia Lee, University of Washington

• Katarina Guttmannova, University of Washington

• Karl G. Hill, University of Washington

• J. David Hawkins, University of Washington