A1 Journal article (refereed)
Why Did They Leave School? A Self Determination Theory Perspective into Narratives of Finnish Early School Leavers (2021)

Pikkarainen, M. T., Hakala, J. T., & Kykyri, V.-L. (2021). Why Did They Leave School? A Self Determination Theory Perspective into Narratives of Finnish Early School Leavers. International Journal of Educational Psychology, 10(1), 48-72. https://doi.org/10.17583/ijep.2021.5988

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Pikkarainen, Merja Tellervo; Hakala, Juha T; Kykyri, Virpi-Liisa

Journal or series: International Journal of Educational Psychology

eISSN: 2014-3591

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 24/02/2021

Volume: 10

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 48-72

Publisher: Hipatia Press

Publication country: Spain

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17583/ijep.2021.5988

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/74455

Abstract

The present study aims to provide insights into the experiences of early school leavers within the Finnish context. We conducted a narrative inquiry among eleven early school leavers who were in prison when they were interviewed. Self Determination Theory (SDT), more specifically the concept of frustration of the three basic psychological needs of competence, relatedness and autonomy, and the tendency of people to move towards more supporting environments, was used as an interpretative tool, along with contextual information. We identified three pathways out of school, differing in the locus of need thwarting circumstances and the availability of access to transfer into a more satisfying environment. Furthermore, the experienced threat of safety was a shared element in the narrative accounts. Additionally, the findings add information about experienced indifference in the case of the participants, which is a new element in theorising the continuum of perceived need satisfaction within the terms of SDT.

Keywords: school attendance; stoppage; dropping out; children (age groups); young people; school drop-outs; social exclusion; experiences (knowledge); psychological factors; autonomy (cognition); safety and security; frustation

Free keywords: early school-leaving; Self Determination Theory; need frustration; safety; indifference.

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1