Psychological problems of early school leavers

Objectives: To establish the prevalence of psychological problems in early school leavers, who attend training schemes. Method: The Youth self report inventory was completed by teenagers as part of a group setting. Percentages of those scoring above clinical threshold w ere calculated and gender differences examined. Results: 78 teenagers participated in the study, 40 males and 38 females. 2 4% were classified as being in the clinical range of total problem score. G irls reported more total, internalising and externalising problems than boy s. 13% of girls frequently thought of suicide and 7% had frequent thoughts of self harm, this contrasts with none of the boys admitting suicidal ideat ion and 2.5% reporting thoughts of self harm. Conclusions: 24% of this group experienced problems which placed them withi n the clinical range. Girls experienced greater problems than boys and appe ar to be at greater risk of self harm. This group appear to be representati ve of those who attend training programmes, however it is not possible to d etermine whether they are representative of all early school leavers. This highlights the vulnerability of older adolescents, and in particular those who leave school early. More detailed examination of issues facing this gro up are needed and should be a priority along with greater service provision from the educational and health sectors.