Academic Performance in First Grade Affects Future Depression

Children who did poorly in the first grade were found to have negative self-perceptions in the sixth grade and depression symptoms in the seventh grade, according to a new study from University of Missouri researchers.

In the study, the researchers examined the behaviors of 474 boys and girls in the first grade and then re-examined the children as they moved into middle school. It was found that those students who had struggled with core subjects - such as reading and math - in the first grade exhibited negative self-beliefs and depression as they entered middle school.

"Often, children with poor academic skills believe they have less influence on important outcomes in their life." said study author Keith Herman, associate professor of education, school and counseling psychology in the MU College of Education. "Poor academic skills can influence how children view themselves as students and as social beings."

"Children's individual differences will always exist in basic academic skills," noted Herman, " so it is necessary to explore and emphasize other assets in students, especially those with lower academic skill relative to their peers." Herman suggests that teachers and parents should honor skills in other areas, such as interpersonal skills, non-core academic areas, athletics and music.

The study appears in the January 11 issue of Science Daily.