6533b826fe1ef96bd1284925
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Student Engagement, Truancy, and Cynicism
Tuomo VirtanenKati VasalampiMarja-kristiina LerkkanenEija RäikkönenMaaike Engelssubject
Secondary levelLongitudinal studySocial Psychology05 social scienceseducation050301 educationStudent engagementEducationDevelopmental psychologySchool dropoutCynicismDevelopmental and Educational Psychology0501 psychology and cognitive sciencesTruancyPsychology0503 education050104 developmental & child psychologydescription
Abstract Truancy in upper secondary education is a widespread problem, which contributes significantly to school dropout risk. However, the underlying mechanisms of truancy have remained unstudied. This longitudinal study of 1853 Finnish students examined how initial levels and changes in student engagement from primary (Grade 6) to lower secondary school (Grades 7 and 9) predicted truancy in upper secondary education, and whether cynicism (losing interest in school) mediated the relationship between engagement and truancy. Growth curve models showed that high engagement levels in primary school and increases in engagement over time predicted less truancy in upper secondary education. Cynicism mediated the effects of student engagement on truancy: high initial levels and increases in student engagement predicted less cynicism, which was related to less truancy. The findings underscored the importance of student engagement (both directly and indirectly through cynicism) in reducing truancy, and such associations can carry over two critical school transitions.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-02-01 | Learning and Individual Differences |