Family-level factors affecting social and academic competence of African American children: An examination of promotive and protective factors

Background: Research shows children’s life trajectories and outcomes are strongly influenced by factors affecting development of social and academic competence that also interact with racial disparities in academic settings. Given the importance of social and academic competencies, identifying factors that promote these competencies among African American children is critical to their success over the life course. Objective: This study examines a socioeconomically diverse sample of African American children to determine whether family-level factors promote and protect social and academic competence. Method: We analyze longitudinal data from a convenience sample of 97 African American children (54 girls, 43 boys) and their families who participated in a larger study of social and academic development. We analyze 2 waves of data collected when children were 7 and 10 years old. Results: A series of 2-level, random-intercept, fixed-effects models show social competence is positively affected by quality of parent–child relationships, positive parenting practices, low parental stress, and routine family home environment. Similarly, academic competence is positively affected by low parental stress and family social support. Conclusions: Study findings fill a critical knowledge gap regarding predictors of social and academic competence of African American children from various socioeconomic strata. Potential avenues for intervention are discussed