Adolescents' academic expectations and achievement.
C E Sanders1, T M Field, M A Diego
1Touch Research Institutes, University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Florida 33101, USA.
Adolescence
|April 4, 2002
Summary
Adolescent academic success is linked to mother relationships and substance use. Mother relationship, academic achievement, and alcohol use significantly predict academic expectations in high school seniors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Adolescent Development
Background:
- Adolescent mother relationships impact academic outcomes.
- Substance use strongly influences academic expectations and achievement.
- Previous studies highlight the interconnectedness of these factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between mother relationship, substance use, and academic outcomes in high school seniors.
- To identify key predictors of academic expectations and achievement.
- To quantify the variance explained by these factors.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 80 high school seniors from middle to upper socioeconomic status families.
- Questionnaires assessed behavioral and psychological aspects of adolescent life.
- Stepwise regression analysis used to determine predictor variables.
Main Results:
- Academic expectations strongly correlated with academic achievement (r = .60).
- Mother relationship, academic achievement, and alcohol use explained 56% of variance in academic expectations.
- Cocaine use, marijuana use, and academic expectations explained 48% of variance in academic achievement.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent academic expectations are significantly influenced by their relationship with their mother, academic performance, and alcohol consumption.
- Substance use (cocaine, marijuana) and academic expectations are key determinants of academic achievement.
- Findings underscore the complex interplay between psychosocial factors and academic success in adolescents.
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