Trauma can have a wide variety of effects on the human mind. It is well established that adverse experiences throughout childhood and adolescence can play a distinct role in the development of physical and mental health conditions. Ergo, it follows that such experiences can significantly impact a student’s academic performance.
A study on student performance following the Utøya massacre of July 22 2011, by Jon-Håkon Schultz and Dag Skarstein at the Arctic University of Norway, found that 69% of students exposed to trauma experienced a distinct negative change in their academic performance. Many teachers reported that they witnessed students who had previously flourished begin to struggle in class. Students themselves testified that “Just getting up in the morning, showering, and getting ready was such a struggle.” Other students offered further insight, stating that they “felt like they had little control” in a school context. This study suggests that trauma can lead to a lower rate of concentration in the classroom, higher rates of apathy, and many students feeling overwhelmed by school.
Students often attach their self-worth closely to their grades. Those who suffer from trauma-related effects, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and see their grades fall from previous levels may experience guilt, which can worsen feelings of depression and further cause their grades to slip, deepening the cycle of depression.
A study conducted by Emma Davies, John Read, and Mark Shevlin at the University of East London found that certain groups, including young people who grow up in social deprivation, women, LGBTQI+ communities, ethnic and racial minorities, and people with disabilities, are more likely to experience multiple forms of trauma before they even reach university. These minority groups are frequently underrepresented in STEM subjects, and given that emotional trauma has such an impact on students’ academic abilities, many may find themselves unable to enter into STEM careers.
Overall, there is a strong scientific consensus that shows that the majority of students who have suffered traumatic events find it difficult to pursue academic goals. They demonstrate higher rates of burnout and depression. With this in mind, we need to find more effective solutions to support them throughout their academic journey.
