Hvilke faktorer påvirker unge jenters frafall fra videregående opplæring? : En kvalitativ studie basert på livshistorien til åtte jenter, som har avbryt videregående opplæring, en eller flere ganger. Studien har fokus på de bakenforliggende determinantene oppvekst og skole

Masteroppgave folkehelsevitenskap ME516 - Universitetet i Agder 2017It is a challenge for both the individual and the society when young adults quit high school. A connection to school and work life is important for their physical and mental health, and the health of future generations. Prevention of school drop outs is important in relation to promoting public health. The purpose of this study is to increase the understanding as well as the theoretical foundation for contributing causes, for why girls quit high school. We look at the underlying causes, with special focus on the determinants of upbringing and school. The aim of the study is: What is it with upbringing and school, that the girls in this study believes is significant for their own drop out? We have analysed a qualitative material consisting of the results from our interviews with eight girls between 16 and 20 years of age from Aust-Agder and Vest-Agder counties. We used the Lifeline-Interview Method (LIM), and the results are compared with Antonovsky’s sense of coherence theory (SOC), Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, and earlier research. Even the girls with both good grades and possibilities to finish high school, can quit. The triggering causes are traced back to upbringing and school by the girls themselves. The study shows that the family and school can do a difference and promote good health. To provide positive experiences, it is important to have adults available with a focus on combating bullying. Life experiences are important for how they cope with life, and the results show that even girls who have quit high school, and have faced big challenges, still possess dreams and have a positive perspective about their futures. Key words: Drop out, high school, girls, promotion of health, school, famil

«Jeg har aldri spurt om å kunne slutte selv». En kvalitativ studie av en gruppe jenters vei mot frafall i videregående skole

In this article we explore the school history of girls who are dropping out from upper secondary school, recorded with mental problems. The study has a qualitative, exploratory design with an inductive approach. Interviews were conducted with life-line method, with some supplemental questions. Most of the girls experience weak relations to both school-peers and teachers in primary school. Some of them are bullied and describe a school without capability to deal with the problems and work for an including school environment. When they reach upper secondary school they have a high absence rate and most of them are requested to terminate school, partly due to the risk of losing part of their statutory right to upper education. The findings are discussed in resilience- and bio-ecological perspectives