Predictors of High School Graduation or Dropping Out for Youths with Severe Emotional Disturbances

Abstract

Using the National Longitudinal Transition Study (NLTS) database, this study explored predictors of graduating from versus dropping out of high school for 664 youths identified as having severe emotional disturbances (SED). The research examined the relationship between earning a diploma and (a) personal variables, (b) the receipt of counseling or therapy in school, and (c) the receipt of vocational education in school. Descriptive statistics indicated that almost 50% of the sample dropped out of high school, and a hierarchical regression analysis revealed that participation in school-based counseling and vocational education was significantly associated with high school graduation.