Journal article
Positive Mental Health and Academic Achievement in Elementary School: New Evidence From a Matching Analysis
M O’Connor, D Cloney, A Kvalsvig, S Goldfeld
Educational Researcher | SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC | Published : 2019
Abstract
Previous research suggests that gains in positive mental health (often termed flourishing, wellbeing, or competence) is associated with stronger academic achievement. This study examines the relationship between positive mental health at school entry and academic achievement at Grade 3, drawing on a representative sample of Australian children with linkage to results of standardized academic testing. Propensity score analysis was used and small positive associations were found between positive mental health and most academic outcomes. Associations were modest in size but sustained over the 3-year period and were similar across a range of academic skills. Future intervention research should a..
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Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Acknowledgements
Personnel support for this analysis was funded by the Australian Government and was supported by the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program. Professor Goldfeld is supported by Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Career Development Fellowship 1082922. This paper uses unit record data from Growing Up in Australia, the LSAC. The study is conducted in partnership between the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).