The Interplay Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Developmental Relationships: Exploring Potential School-Level Protective Factors (Poster 37)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 9:50 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Looking at Factors Affecting Stress and Resilience

Abstract

Mechanisms that support children with adversity experiences are complex as they must support youth with varying types of adverse experiences and reactions to those experiences. The present study explored the relation between adversity experiences, developmental relationships with parenting adults, teachers, peers, neighbors, and program leaders (e.g., out-of-school time), and school-level contextual factors (e.g., school engagement, motivation, and a caring school community) in order to determine protective factors that support students with adversity. Findings indicate that students’ adversity experiences are negatively associated with students’ developmental relationships, and school-level protective factors help mitigate the negative impact of ACEs on developmental relationships with parenting adults. Our study enhances the current understanding of mechanisms that could support positive outcomes for students with adversity.

Authors

• Dana M. Sox, University of Virginia

• Katherine M. Ross, Search Institute

• Nancy L. Deutsch, University of Virginia