The effects of child neglect on later academic performance and career. A research

Abstract or Introduction

This paper focuses on the effects of child neglect on the development of children and specifically on its consequences on later academic performance and career. To do this, the paper first presents insights into the importance of the family as a formative instance in the development of children. Important research questions in this context are the following: In which ways does the family influence this development? To what extent does the influence continue into adulthood? Why is the family the most important place of education and an essential learning environment?

Building on the answers to these questions, the paper thematizes the development of children in the case of neglect. It is discussed how this development is affected by the absence of a safe learning environment and a place of security. A particular focus is on the impact of such an unstable social environment on later adult life. It is emphasized that people who have experienced neglect on the part of their parents have difficulties in dealing with certain life situations. One important reason for the appearance of these difficulties are cognitive abilities that may be less developed due to neglect. Furthermore, specific problems that the affected persons have to face in their private life as well as in their academic life up to adulthood are thematized.