Mental illness is common among adolescents and often compromises educational attainment. In this session, the proportion of failure to complete secondary school that can be attributed to mental illness is estimated.
In the U.S., graduating from high school is one of life’s most important developmental milestones. Completing secondary and post-secondary education opens the door to adult economic success. According to census statistics, 81% of 20-24 year olds in the United States have completed their secondary education. Characterizing the 19% of the population who fail to complete school can help target dropout prevention programs appropriately.
Information available from several community and treatment-based longitudinal studies shows that over half of the children in the U.S. who fail to complete their secondary education have a diagnosable mental illness, and over 40% have a serious emotional disturbance (SED). The percentage of the failure to complete secondary school that is attributable to mental illness or SED is estimated at 46% and 36%, respectively. Experts have argued that educational opportunities for adolescents suffering from anxiety, disruptive behavior disorders, or depression be carefully tailored to promote steady developmental progress towards adult roles.
Participants in this session will recognize the large toll that mental illness exacts from individuals and from society. For the individual, educational success is crucial for enjoying future opportunities. For society, an educated and healthy citizenry is crucial for building a strong nation. Participants will consider how dropout prevention programs could be targeted appropriately in light of these study findings.
Learning Objectives: Participants will recognize that a large proportion of adolescents in the U.S. who fail to complete their secondary education suffer from emotional and behavioral disorders. Participants will consider the implications of this fact on the design of effective drop out prevention programs.
Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health, Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.