Uncovering the Invisible: A Multidimensional Framework for Identifying Resilient Students across Different Countries and Grades

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 3:45 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Racialization, State Power, and Resilience: Comparative Perspectives on National Education Systems

Abstract

This study reconsiders how resilient students are defined and identified by leveraging multidimensional socioeconomic status (SES) and dual academic-psychological adaptation indicators within PISA dataset. Through latent profile analysis, we identify heterogeneous profiles—including academic, psychological, dual, and relative resilience—across diverse sociocultural contexts. Results demonstrate that traditional SES composites and absolute achievement cutoffs mask significant variations, particularly overlooking students with strong psychosocial adaptation despite modest academic performance. Cross-validation with Chinese Primary Data further confirms the developmental consistency of these profiles. This study proposes a context-sensitive, multidimensional framework for resilience, advocates person-centered over binary approaches, and informs equity-focused strategies to identify and support marginalized learners. Ultimately, the current study calls for a justice-oriented educational paradigm that recognizes diverse adaptation pathways beyond achievement-centric models.

Authors

• QIAN LI, Beijing Normal University

• Yiwen Dong, Beijing Normal University