title: Adolescents' Educational Outcomes in a Social Ecology of Parenting, Family, and Community Risks in Northern Ireland.
abstract: This study examines the influence of social ecological risks within the domains of parenting, family environment, and community in the prediction of educational outcomes for 770 adolescents (49% boys, 51% girls,M= 13.6 years,SD= 2.0) living in a setting of protracted political conflict, specifically working class areas of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Controlling for religious community, age, and gender, youths' lower academic achievement was associated with family environments characterized by high conflict and low cohesion. School ehaviour problems were related to greater exposure to community violence, or sectarian and nonsectarian antisocial behaviour. Youths' expectations about educational attainment were undermined by conflict in the family environment and antisocial behaviour in the community, as well as parenting low in warmth and behavioural control. Findings underscore the importance of considering family and community contributions to youths' educational outcomes. Suggestions regarding targeted interventions toward promoting resilience are discussed, such as assessing both child and family functioning, developing multidimensional interventions for parents, and building community partnerships, among others.
authors.affiliation: The Catholic University of America, Washington DC, USA.
authors.forename: Marcie C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Goeke-Morey
authors.affiliation: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, USA.
authors.forename: Laura K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: University of Ulster, Colraine, Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: Ed
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cairns
authors.affiliation: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, USA.
authors.forename: Christine E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Merrilees
authors.affiliation: Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Shirlow
authors.affiliation: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, USA.
authors.forename: E Mark
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Cummings
keywords: Adolescents; Northern Ireland; academic achievement; community violence; educational attainment; educational outcomes; family environment; parenting; political conflict; school behaviour problems; social ecology of risk
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