Abstract
BackgroundIn Japan, the temporary leave and drop-out rate of university or junior college students has been increasing in recent years, and many cases have been attributed to psychological problems. To establish a mental health support system for entering students, we conducted a questionnaire and follow-up survey, and explored predictors of temporary leaves and drop-outs among junior college women.MethodsOur sample consisted of 485 first-year female students attending a junior college in Osaka, Japan. Between 1998 and 2002, the following factors were assessed: lifestyle, college life, subjective well-being measured by the General Well-Being Schedule (GWBS), self-esteem, and emotional support network. A follow-up survey was conducted during 1 year.ResultsThirty-seven women, who had taken temporary leaves or had dropped out during the first year, showed unfavorable responses to lifestyle, college life and/or subjective well-being compared with other students. No differences in self-esteem and emotional support network were found between the two groups. A multiple regression analysis showed that non-existence of interesting club activity, smoking, and low level of life satisfaction and emotional stability measured by the GWBS were predictors of temporary leaves and drop-outs.ConclusionIt may be possible to determine which students are at risk for taking temporary leaves or dropping out based on their psychological state and lifestyle at the time of enrollment in college. More support is needed to continue the students at school who are at high risk for taking temporary leaves or dropping out.
Highlights
Japan has one of the most advanced education systems in the world: more than 47% of high school students enter university or junior college after graduation.[1]
Sample and Study Design The survey sample consisted of female students enrolled in the nutrition course at a women's junior college in Osaka Prefecture from 1998 to 2002
Except for 6 students -- 1 student who did not fill out the questionnaire, 4 students who entered school following a periods of employment or work in the home, and 1 student who re-enrolled after leaving school -- all 485 students responded to the questionnaire (Table 2)
Summary
Japan has one of the most advanced education systems in the world: more than 47% of high school students enter university or junior college after graduation.[1] according to the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions of the People on Health and Welfare, the increasing number of advancing students experience anxiety and stress regarding schoolwork, test taking, and advancing to the grade.[2] For students who have just taken an entrance examination for college, an irregular lifestyle, feelings of relief, physical and psychological stress, and an inability to adapt socially are common These unfavorable conditions and psychological instability are thought to result in students taking temporary leaves or dropping out after having entered university or junior college. More support is needed to continue the students at school who are at high risk for taking temporary leaves or dropping out
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