In this study we examined relations between adolescents' perception
of parental
care and intrusiveness and the abilities–achievement gap. Cognitive
abilities and academic achievement were assessed for 200 Israeli 10th graders.
Representations of maternal and paternal
care and intrusiveness and externalizing and internalizing symptoms were
self-reported.
Gender differences were found for the abilities–achievement gap.
Boys' achievement in
mathematics and language was significantly lower than could be expected
from abilities in
these domains. Representations of maternal care predicted achievement while
aptitude and
socioemotional symptoms were controlled and moderated the relations of
abilities and
achievement. Paternal representations were unrelated to abilities or achievement.
Among
boys, maternal intrusiveness had a unique contribution to the prediction
of achievement,
above and beyond abilities, socioemotional symptoms, and maternal care.
The relevance of
the findings to cognitive and attachment perspectives on adolescent achievement
is discussed.