In What Ways Do Health Behaviors Impact Academic Performance, Educational Aspirations, and Commitment to Learning?

• In Event: Examining Noncognitive and Behavioral Outcomes

Abstract

Research studies on the health behavioral choices of students have made it clear that adhering to healthy behaviors has a positive association with academic performance and attainment. However, most educational studies have investigated these behaviors individually, while others have investigated only a few factors at a time. This study examined the associations between multiple health behaviors (i.e., physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and substance use) and the academic performance (using grade point average as a proxy), commitment to learning, and educational aspirations of high school students. Regression results from two different survey samples (N = 79,339 and 81,885) from 2013 and 2016 show that healthy behavioral choices are positively associated with academic performance, commitment to learning, and educational aspirations.

Authors

• Julio C. Cabrera, University of Minnesota

• Michael C. Rodriguez, University of Minnesota

• Stacy R. Karl, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Carlos Chavez, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities