Adolescence dropout risk predictors: Family structure, mental health, and self‐esteem

This study investigated the predictive roles of family structure, mental health, and self‐esteem in dropout risk among school‐going adolescents in the Ibadan Municipality of Oyo State, Nigeria. A quantitative research design approach was adopted. A total of 287 school‐going adolescents with consistent record of absenteeism were randomly selected from 14 schools in the Ibadan Municipality. A single adapted questionnaire divided into sections was used to collect data. The hypotheses raised were tested using the Pearson's product–moment correlation and multiple regression analysis. The study established that the relationship between dropout risk, lack of family structure ( r = 0.491, n = 287, p < 0.05), mental health ( r = 0.373, n = 287, p < 0.05), and self‐esteem ( r = 0.428, n = 287, p < 0.05) of the participants was significant. Furthermore, the joint influence of the predictive variables (family structure, mental health, and self‐esteem) was also significant on dropout risk ( R = 0.489, adjusted R 2 of 0.398). The study concludes that dropout risk among school‐going adolescents can be safeguarded with factors such as family structure, mental health, and self‐esteem as guided against. Hence, the family structure, mental health, and self‐esteem are very crucial if the upsurge of school dropout that is bedeviling the society will be reduced to bearable level or eradicated.