Exploring the determinants of academic underachievement in children and adolescents

Academic underachievement in children and adolescents is a multifaceted issue with significant implications for mental health, social development, and future opportunities. It can lead to a plethora of negative outcomes, including low self-esteem, increased risk of mental health issues, and limited career opportunities. Understanding the underlying causes of academic difficulties is crucial for developing targeted interventions. This research topic will bring together studies that examine the diverse factors influencing academic difficulties and underperformance, and propose evidence-based strategies to support struggling students.

The goals of this Research Topic are:

• To investigate the psychological and cognitive factors contributing to academic underachievement;
• To examine the role of social and environmental influences, such as family dynamics, peer relationships, and socioeconomic status;
• To explore the impact of biological factors, including neurodevelopmental disorders and genetic predispositions;
• To identify effective interventions and support mechanisms for children and adolescents facing academic challenges.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Academic underachievement, mental health, cognitive factors, social influences, neurodevelopmental disorders, educational interventions, child and adolescent psychiatry

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.