Correlations of Grade Point Averages at a Rural College with Reports of Abuse in Rural Families

Abstract

The possible influences of intrafamilial conflict and emotional, physical, and sexual abuse were examined in relation to academic achievement in college. 135 students of a small private university in a rural setting responded to a questionnaire. Reported histories of sexual abuse and physical abuse by family members were associated with lower mean grade point averages. Individuals who reported occasional emotional abuse had a lower mean grade point average than those who reported frequent or no emotional abuse. Treatment implications and directions for research should be considered.