A1 Journal article (refereed)
Student engagement, truancy, and cynicism : a longitudinal study from primary school to upper secondary education (2021)
Virtanen, T.E., Räikkönen, E., Engels, M.C., Vasalampi, K., & Lerkkanen, M.-K. (2021). Student engagement, truancy, and cynicism : a longitudinal study from primary school to upper secondary education. Learning and Individual Differences, 86, Article 101972. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2021.101972
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Virtanen, T.E.; Räikkönen, E.; Engels, M.C.; Vasalampi, K.; Lerkkanen, M.-K.
Journal or series: Learning and Individual Differences
ISSN: 1041-6080
eISSN: 1873-3425
Publication year: 2021
Volume: 86
Article number: 101972
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2021.101972
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/77821
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.
Keywords: pupils; school attendance; committing oneself; truancy; attitudes; cynicism; longitudinal research
Free keywords: student engagement; truancy; cynicism toward school; second-order latent growth curve model; longitudinal study
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Early antecedents, developmental trajectories and mechanisms involved in dropping out of school and marginalization from society
- Vasalampi, Kati
- Academy of Finland
- Antecedents, trajectories and mechanisms of dropping out from school and society – a 13-year follow up
- Aunola, Kaisa
- Academy of Finland
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2021
JUFO rating: 2