Traumatic Stress and Attachment Difficulties’ Effects on Academic Achievement Growth Trajectories for Young Children

• In Event: Social-Emotional Factors in Educational Contexts

Abstract

Some groups of children persist in having trouble achieving academically. Scholars have looked at attachment and traumatic stress independently. However, issues persist and it appears that these issues need to be investigated together. Using the ECLS-K, the authors used latent growth curve modeling to explore the interaction between traumatic stress and attachment over time, from kindergarten through 5th grade. Results were that there is a lower growth rate for children with both traumatic stress symptoms and difficult attachment symptoms. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.

Authors

• Jeff Drayton Wolfgang, University of Cincinnati

• Cirecie A. Olatunji, University of Cincinnati