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Relationship of Adverse Family Experiences to Resilience and School Engagement Among Vermont Youth

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Abstract

Introduction

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with a range of health outcomes and risk behaviors. In 2011–2012, the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) included questions about adverse family experiences (AFEs). AFE survey questions are similar to ACE questions, except there are no questions about emotional/physical/sexual trauma, and questions are asked of parents rather than children. Although the relationship between ACEs and work/school absenteeism has been studied, the relationships between AFEs of school-aged children, school performance, and buffering behaviors have not been explored in depth.

Methods

We examined AFEs and measures of resilience and school engagement among 1330 Vermont children (6–17 years) included in the NSCH, using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable analyses.

Results

The most prevalent AFEs were divorce/separation of parents; family income hardship; substance use problems; and mental illness, suicidality, or severe depression. Adjusting for sex, age, special health care needs, poverty level, and maternal physical/mental-emotional health status, children who had three or more AFEs had lower odds of completing all required homework [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–6.3] and higher odds of failing to exhibit resilience (AOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2–3.8), compared to children having no AFEs.

Discussion

Children with three or more AFEs had difficulty engaging in school and completing homework, though poor outcomes were buffered when children showed resilience. Parents, school-based mental health professionals, and teachers could help identify children who may be less resilient and have difficulties completing homework assignments. Preventive approaches to children’s emotional problems (e.g., promoting family health, using family-based approaches to treat emotional/behavioral problems) could be applied in schools and communities to foster resilience and improve school engagement of children.

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Abbreviations

MCHB:

Maternal and Health Child Bureau

NSCH:

2011–2012 National Survey of Children’s Health

ACEs:

Adverse childhood experiences

AFEs:

Adverse family experiences

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vermont Department of Health & Vermont Department of Mental Health, 108 Cherry Street, Suite 304, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA

    Laurin Kasehagen

  2. Child, Adolescent & Family Unit, Vermont Department of Mental Health, Waterbury, VT, USA

    Laurel Omland & Charlie Biss

  3. Vermont Department of Mental Health, Waterbury, VT, USA

    Melissa Bailey

  4. Division of Maternal and Child Health, Vermont Department of Health, Burlington, VT, USA

    Breena Holmes

  5. Vermont Department of Health, Burlington, VT, USA

    Patsy Tassler Kelso

Authors
  1. Laurin Kasehagen
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  2. Laurel Omland
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  3. Melissa Bailey
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  4. Charlie Biss
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  5. Breena Holmes
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Laurin Kasehagen.

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Disclaimer The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Vermont Department of Health, or the Vermont Department of Mental Health.

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Kasehagen, L., Omland, L., Bailey, M. et al. Relationship of Adverse Family Experiences to Resilience and School Engagement Among Vermont Youth. Matern Child Health J 22, 298–307 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-017-2367-z

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