Adverse Experiences in Infancy: Relations to Academic Status and Adaptive Behavior in Middle Childhood

• In Event: Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Human Development 1

Abstract

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) research articulated the negative effects of trauma on long-term well-being. We examine whether ACEs are associated with educational and psychosocial outcomes later in development. Data, collected for the national study of Early Head Start, include 1,469 low-income, socio-demographically diverse families. ACEs were measured using interview and observation items when children were 1, 2, and 3. School and psychosocial outcomes were collected at age 11. Logistic regressions, controlling for program, parent, school, and child characteristics, showed ACEs were significantly associated with parental report of the child having: an individualized educational program in any and the current grade, grade retention, and externalizing and internalizing behavior problems. Findings suggest early childhood ACEs negatively influence later school functioning.

Authors

• Lorraine McKelvey, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

• Nicola A. Conners-Burrow, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

• Glenn Mesman, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

• Leanne Whiteside-Mansell, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

• Robert H. Bradley, Arizona State University