The effects of childhood abuse on the academic attainment and resilience of students

Abstract

Domestic violence is the most common and widespread form of human rights abuse in South Africa. Every day, women and children are subjected to physical and sexual assault, threats, humiliation and even murder (Divorce Laws, 2020). The violence inflicted upon children is especially lamentable because abusive childhood events have been proven to contribute negatively to health and wellness in adulthood (Beutel et al., 2017). Despite immense efforts to curb this scourge, childhood abuse remains a critical challenge facing South African society (UNICEF, 2021). According to Hmurovich (2014), the type of abuse suffered by the affected child could practically predict their future behaviour as an adult – hence he implies that adverse effects are inevitable. Werner (1996, as cited in Beutel et al., 2017) disagrees and asserts that not everyone who experienced stressful life experiences (such as childhood abuse) suffers from mental distress later in life – in fact, many adjust well. This inconsistency indicates that more research needs to be conducted on resilience and on the survivors of abuse who have defied the odds. The current study was qualitative in nature and adopted an exploratory qualitative research approach and methodologies. An interpretive research paradigm was the lens through which the data was examined. A collective case study design with elements of narrative biography was the chosen research design for this study. Six participants were chosen using purposive sampling. Data was gathered through interviews and analysed inductively using thematic analysis. The aim of the study was to gain insight into some of the factors that contributed to the academic attainment and resilience of survivors of childhood abuse. I used the Career Interest Profile (CIP) (Maree, 2018), which is a qualitative career questionnaire. In addition, I wished to discover how best survivors of childhood abuse (especially children) could be empowered and supported to reach their full potential despite adversity. Survivors of childhood abuse involved in this study were influenced by a combination of intrinsic factors to childhood abuse in the sense that childcare workers, teachers, and parents were equipped with support strategies and interventions that could be used to mitigate the negative effects of abuse.like self-efficacy, resilience, locus of control, and goal setting, as well as extrinsic factors such as agency, support systems, a sense of purpose (meaning making), and career aspirations. These factors empowered survivors to overcome Page | v past trauma and work towards resilience and academic attainment. The study potentially helped children who had been exposed.