title: Positive Attributes Buffer the Negative Associations Between Low Intelligence and High Psychopathology With Educational Outcomes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examines the extent to which children's positive attributes are distinct from psychopathology. We also investigate whether positive attributes change or "buffer" the impact of low intelligence and high psychopathology on negative educational outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a community sample of 2,240 children (6-14 years of age), we investigated associations among positive attributes, psychopathology, intelligence, and negative educational outcomes. Negative educational outcomes were operationalized as learning problems and poor academic performance. We tested the discriminant validity of psychopathology versus positive attributes using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and propensity score matching analysis (PSM), and used generalized estimating equations (GEE) models to test main effects and interactions among predictors of educational outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to both CFA and PSM, positive attributes and psychiatric symptoms were distinct constructs. Positive attributes were associated with lower levels of negative educational outcomes, independent of intelligence and psychopathology. Positive attributes buffer the negative effects of lower intelligence on learning problems, and higher psychopathology on poor academic performance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Children's positive attributes are associated with lower levels of negative school outcomes. Positive attributes act both independently and by modifying the negative effects of low intelligence and high psychiatric symptoms on educational outcomes. Subsequent research should test interventions designed to foster the development of positive attributes in children at high risk for educational problems.
authors.affiliation: Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil (HCPA) and Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil (UFRGS). Electronic address: mauriciodireito@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: Mauricio Scopel
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.affiliation: Section on Bipolar Spectrum Disorders, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health and National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Leibenluft
authors.affiliation: King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London.
authors.forename: Argyris
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stringaris
authors.affiliation: Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil (HCPA) and Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil (UFRGS).
authors.forename: Paola Paganella
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Laporte
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (UNIFESP) and the National Institute of Developmental Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents, São Paulo (INCT-CNPq).
authors.forename: Pedro Mario
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (UNIFESP) and the National Institute of Developmental Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents, São Paulo (INCT-CNPq).
authors.forename: Ary
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gadelha
authors.affiliation: HCPA, UFRGS, and INCT-CNPq.
authors.forename: Gisele Gus
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Manfro
authors.affiliation: UNIFESP, INCT-CNPq, and the Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade de São Paulo (USP).
authors.forename: Eurípedes Constantino
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Miguel
authors.affiliation: HCPA, UFRGS, INCT-CNPq, and USP.
authors.forename: Luis Augusto
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Rohde
authors.affiliation: UFRGS and INCT-CNPq.
authors.forename: Giovanni Abrahão
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Salum
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000067290:Behavior Rating Scale; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012574:Schools
keywords: interaction; noncognitive skills; school; youth strengths inventory