School Psychology International
Volume 29, Issue 1, 2008, Pages 105-127

The hidden dropout phenomenon among immigrant high-school students: The case of ethiopian adolescents in Israel - A pilot study (Article)

Rosenblum S.* , Goldblatt H. , Moin V.
  • a University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, 31905, Israel
  • b University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel, Department of Nursing, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel 31905, Haifa, Israel
  • c University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel, School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel 31905, Haifa, Israel

Abstract

The high school dropout rate among immigrant students has become a serious problem in many places around the world. Hidden dropout or irregular school attendance may be the first stage of school dropout. This article examines the hidden dropout phenomenon among Ethiopian immigrant adolescents aged 14-18 in Israel, as a prototype of immigration from a traditional, rural society to a western one. Sixty irregular school attendees were compared with 28 regular attendees, regarding the following characteristics: family and socio-economic background, psychological distress symptoms (BSI), self-efficacy (SEF), perceived social support (MSPSS) and cognitive skills (ROcF). Results indicated that both groups came from similar low socio-economic backgrounds and showed similarly poor cognitive performance levels. However, among the hidden dropout group, the perceived social support was significantly higher and feelings of stress were significantly lower. Several explanations are provided for these unexpected results, and research and practice implications are discussed. Copyright © 2008 SAGE Publications.

Author Keywords

Personal characteristics Immigration Hidden dropout Ethiopian adolescents

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-38949172900&doi=10.1177%2f0143034307088506&partnerID=40&md5=f8df64403ad5928a7e1808039261d441
DOI: 10.1177/0143034307088506
ISSN: 01430343
Cited by: 15
Original Language: English