Family Environment Scale Predictors of Academic Performance

Abstract

Relationships between high school and college academic performance and Family Environment Scale scores were examined within a sample of 346 college students. Low high-school grade point averages (GPA<2.5) were two to four times as common among students with high Conflict, or low Expressiveness, Cohesion, or Recreation scores. Moral–Religious subscale scores were also associated with favorable high school academic performance as well as increased college classroom attendance. Control variables included the Beck Depression Inventory, Shipley Institute of Living Scale, and reports of parental divorce or bereavement histories. A primary objective was achieved in providing simple guidelines for the identification of students at high risk for psychosocial problems using the Family Environment Scale.