Adolescence dropout risk predictors: Family structure, mental health, and self-esteem.

Abstract

This study investigated the predictive roles of family structure, mental health, and self-esteem in dropout risk among school-going adolescents in the Ibadan Municipality of Oyo State, Nigeria. A quantitative research design approach was adopted. A total of 287 school-going adolescents with consistent record of absenteeism were randomly selected from 14 schools in the Ibadan Municipality. A single adapted questionnaire divided into sections was used to collect data. The hypotheses raised were tested using the Pearson's product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis. The study established that the relationship between dropout risk, lack of family structure (r = 0.491, n = 287, p < 0.05), mental health (r = 0.373, n = 287, p < 0.05), and self-esteem (r = 0.428, n = 287, p < 0.05) of the participants was significant. Furthermore, the joint influence of the predictive variables (family structure, mental health, and self-esteem) was also significant on dropout risk (R = 0.489, adjustedR2 of 0.398). The study concludes that dropout risk among school-going adolescents can be safeguarded with factors such as family structure, mental health, and self-esteem as guided against. Hence, the family structure, mental health, and self-esteem are very crucial if the upsurge of school dropout that is bedeviling the society will be reduced to bearable level or eradicated.