Examining social withdrawal in relation to academic enablers in students with and without cognitive disengagement syndrome

Abstract

Students' social behaviors are associated with academic enablers and academic outcomes. However, social withdrawal, a key correlate of youth with cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS), has not been examined in relation to academic enablers. In this cross-sectional study, we examined associations between teacher-reported social withdrawal and academic enablers, and also whether associations differed for students with or without teacher-reported elevations in CDS. We hypothesized that social withdrawal would be significantly associated with each academic enabler and that CDS would significantly moderate each association. Participants were 257 2nd-5th grade students (M_age = 8.79, 36.6% female) with (n = 129) and without (n = 128) elevated CDS symptoms. In regression analyses controlling for family income, medication use, and ADHD symptom severity, higher social withdrawal was independently associated with lower interpersonal skills, CDS status was uniquely associated with lower motivation, and both social withdrawal and CDS status were uniquely associated with lower engagement. Results from interaction models indicated that higher social withdrawal was associated with lower study skills and lower homework self-regulation for students with CDS but not for students without CDS. Findings point to the potential importance of social withdrawal for the academic enabler behaviors of elementary students, particularly for students with clinically-elevated CDS symptoms. Implications of these results have the potential to inform both assessment and intervention in school to support students' academic functioning.