Presenter: Vivian Grace Hagopian

Faculty Sponsor: Charlotte Wilinsky

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

Session: Poster Session 6, 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM, Auditorium, A76

ABSTRACT

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been consistently linked to negative psychological, emotional, and physiological outcomes across the lifespan (e.g., Felitti et al., 1998). However, there remains a gap in the literature regarding how ACEs influence career development and academic functioning during emerging adulthood, a distinct, transformative life stage that takes place between ages 18-25 (Arnett, 2000, 2007). This study examines the correlational relationships between ACE exposure, career decisiveness (career-related clarity, certainty, and decision-making capabilities), and academic performance (self-perceived academic ability and achievement), among emerging adults, specifically undergraduate university students. The objective of the research is to investigate these associations by assessing whether students with higher levels of ACE exposure report differences in their academic self-perception and approaches to career planning. Additionally, the study investigates if childhood trauma and abuse influence developmental outcomes during emerging adulthood. It is hypothesized that greater ACE exposure will correlate with poorer academic performance and career indecisiveness. Data were collected from undergraduate students from a large, northeastern public research university (N = 76) using self-report online survey measures. Correlational analysis using ordered logit regression models is used to evaluate the relationships among variables. The findings of this study aim to advance trauma-informed interventions in higher-education settings to support vulnerable student populations.