Students’ perception of schooling in associations with externalizing/internalizing syndromes and truancy
- Author:
Nik Ruzyanei Nik Jaafar
;
Tuti Iryani Mohd
;
Shamsul Azhar Shah
;
Rozhan Shariff Mohamed Radzi
;
Hatta Sidi
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
perception of schooling, externalizing/ internalizing syndromes, truancy
- From:ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry
2007;8(1):85-92
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives: To determine the association of students’ perception of schooling with externalizing/
internalizing scores; and to examine the different perceptions related to truancy. Methods:
A total of 373 predominantly 16 year-old students attending three high risk schools in Pudu,
Kuala Lumpur completed the questionnaires on schooling variables (four items) and externalizing/
internalizing syndromes (Youth Self-Report, 112 items). Results: Certain negative perceptions
(uncertainty of the schooling purpose, thinking schooling as time wasting) were significantly
associated with higher internalizing (p<0.05), externalizing (p<0.005) and total
problem (p<0.005) scores. Truants were significantly associated with disliking school
(OR=2.52, 95% CI=1.01-6.20), lower educational goals (OR=2.03, 95% CI=1.18-3.49) and
uncertainty of the schooling purpose (OR=3.14, 95% CI=1.47-6.67). Among truants, those
who thought schooling as time wasting scored significantly higher on externalizing (p<0.005)
and total problems (p<0.005). Conclusions: Certain negative perceptions of schooling are associated
with self-reported emotional/behavioral problems and truancy. Positive schooling
experience may correct schooling misperceptions and solve related emotional and behavioural
problems.
