GSE Faculty Research
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of this Version
5-3-2019
Embargo Date
5-3-2021
Publication Source
Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology
Volume
62
Start Page
270
Last Page
281
DOI
10.1016/j.appdev.2019.03.004
Abstract
We examine how incidence and accumulation of two domains of risk factors—deprivation and threat of harm—predict early childhood development, testing a framework put forth by McLaughlin and Sheridan (2016). Using the ECLSK: 11 (N = 18,200, M = 5.6 years; 48.7% female), a nationally representative sample of kindergarteners, we consider behavioral and cognitive indicators that represent different learning processes. We find partial support for the hypothesis that deprivation (but not threat) risks predict higher-order learning outcomes, with both incidence and accumulation of risk negatively predicting reading scores but mixed associations for executive function outcomes. We find support that incidence of threat (but not deprivation) risks negatively predict emotional and behavioral outcomes as hypothesized. When modeled cumulatively, however, both deprivation and threat risks predict behavioral outcomes. Finally, in line with hypothesized processes, both deprivation and threat risks negatively predict math scores, which represent pattern-learning processes. Implications for research in childhood adversity are discussed.
Keywords
Cumulative risk, Deprivation, Threat, Learning processes, Kindergarten
Recommended Citation
Wolf, S., & Suntheimer, N. (2019). A dimensional risk approach to assessing early adversity in a national sample. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 62 270-281. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2019.03.004
Included in
Developmental Psychology Commons, Early Childhood Education Commons, Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation Commons, Quantitative Psychology Commons
Date Posted: 07 May 2021
This document has been peer reviewed.