The relationship among protective factors, volition, and academic resilience in chronically-ill adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility that the construct of volition may function as a mediator between protective factors and academic resilience. The sample consisted of adolescents (n = 57) diagnosed with the chronic pain syndrome of reflex neurovascular dystrophy (RND) yet remaining enrolled in school and passing their classes. Protective factors were measured in the areas of parent relations, attitude toward teachers, and interpersonal relations by the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1992). Volition was measured though the Action-Control Scale (Kuhl, 1994). Level of academic resilience was determined by GPA and attendance during the academic year that participants were diagnosed with RND. Protective factor measures were found to correlate with academic resilience and with volition measures. Volition, however, did not correlate significantly with academic resilience and, therefore, did not function as a mediator variable between protective factors and academic resilience. Potential explanations for this absence of correlation and suggestions for additional research are discussed.