Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
364872 Learning and Individual Differences 2012 6 Pages PDF
Abstract

This study addressed (1) whether there were unique profiles of student self-reported reasons for attending school among 10th graders, (2) whether these profiles were differentially associated with late high-school dropout, and (3) whether parent characteristics differed across profiles. Using data from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 (N = 15,362), five latent classes were found. The first class (49%) reported intrinsic, identified/introjected, and external motivations for attending school. The second class (32%) attended for identified/introjected and external reasons, while the third class (11%) reported intrinsic and identified/introjected reasons. The final two classes reported only identified/introjected (5%) or external (4%) motivations. Individuals in the identified/introjected and external classes were at greatest risk of dropping out between 10th and 12th grade. A host of parenting characteristics differed across class, with students in the intrinsic-identified/introjected-external class displaying the most favorable pattern of results. Implications for dropout prevention and academic promotion programs are discussed.

► Found five distinct latent classes of reasons for attending high school ► Latent class was significantly associated with late high school dropout. ► A wealth of parenting characteristics differed across class membership. ► Implications for retention program and parent-based intervention were discussed.

Related Topics
Social Sciences and Humanities Psychology Developmental and Educational Psychology
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