A One-year Follow-up Study on Predictors of Temporary Leaves and Drop-outs among Students at a Women's Junior College

BACKGROUND: In Japan, the temporary leave and drop-out rate of university or junior college students has been increasing in recent years, and many cases have been attributed to psychological problems. To establish a mental health support system for entering students, we conducted a questionnaire and follow-up survey, and explored predictors of temporary leaves and drop-outs among junior college women. METHODS: Our sample consisted of 485 first-year female students attending a junior college in Osaka, Japan. Between 1998 and 2002, the following factors were assessed: lifestyle, college life, subjective well-being measured by the General Well-Being Schedule (GWBS), self-esteem, and emotional support network. A follow-up survey was conducted during 1 year. RESULTS: Thirty-seven women, who had taken temporary leaves or had dropped out during the first year, showed unfavorable responses to lifestyle, college life and/or subjective well-being compared with other students. No differences in self-esteem and emotional support network were found between the two groups. A multiple regression analysis showed that non-existence of interesting club activity, smoking, and low level of life satisfaction and emotional stability measured by the GWBS were predictors of temporary leaves and drop-outs. CONCLUSION: It may be possible to determine which students are at risk for taking temporary leaves or dropping out based on their psychological state and lifestyle at the time of enrollment in college. More support is needed to continue the students at school who are at high risk for taking temporary leaves or dropping out.