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