Psychological and Family Differences Between Middle Class and low Income Dropouts: a Discriminant Analysis

Explored psychological & family differences between 84 predominantly middle class & 34 predominantly lower income dropout students using measures of individual & family functioning. Middle class dropouts had serious behavioural & family problems & low income dropouts’ problems were mainly socioeconomic & academic. Other notable differences included depression/suicide potential. Findings suggest the need for interventions that focus on problems that go beyond the scope of the traditional school.