Mechanisms of Dropping out of School and Marginalisation

Published 6.7.2026Edited 6.7.2026

The University of Jyväskylä and Kela are conducting a study, the results of which will be used in the development of benefits and services for young people. The goal is to identify the key factors that indicate dropping out of school and marginalisation in different stages of education. In particular, the study analyses the significance of receiving other benefits and services from Kela in preventing dropping out of school and marginalisation among young people. The cooperation project utilises the University of Jyväskylä’s Koulupolku survey data, which are combined with Kela’s register data.

Researchers

Karoliina Koskenvuo, Leading Researcher
Miia Saarikallio-Torp

Project Implementation Period

9.10.2018–31.12.2025. The project has ended.

Cooperation Partners

University of Jyväskylä (jyu.fi)

Project Results

The study looked at about 2,000 children from pre-primary education to the age of 21. Knowledge about the skills development, motivation, learning difficulties, problem behaviours, wellbeing, relationships with friends and family background of children participating in the study is widely available throughout their school career. The follow-up study combines Kela's register data on social assistance, rehabilitation granted, ADHD, rehabilitation allowance and the use of antidepressants. The study has provided us with unique information about the individual development paths of young people.

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Hiltunen, V., Kiuru, N., Tolvanen, A., Koskenvuo, K., Lerkkanen, M.-K., & Vasalampi, K. (2026). From externalizing problems across primary school to dropout of upper secondary education: A cycle of maladaptation and social support. Learning and Individual Differences, 128, 102923. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2026.102923
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Khanolainen, D., Torppa, M., Tolvanen, A., Hiltunen, V., Kiuru, N., Ruotsalainen, J., Aunola, K., Lerkkanen, M.-K., Poikkeus, A.-M., Salmela-Aro, K., Schoon, I., & Vasalampi, K. (submitted). Longitudinal profiles of social support and their role in students’ academic and psychological functioning.
Lehdikko, E., & Luoranen, M. (2022). Opiskelijahuollon palveluiden sekä mielialalääkkeiden käyttö toisen asteen opiskelijoiden keskuudessa. Pro gradu -tutkielma, Jyväskylän yliopisto.
Lehtola, A., Kiuru, N., Sainio, M., Vehkakoski, T., & Vasalampi, K. (in preparation). The role of adolescents’ vocational identity on mental health and educational outcomes in late adolescence.
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Partio, J., Virtanen, T., Torppa, M., Aro, T., Psyridou, M., Koskenvuo, K., Saarikallio-Torp, M., & Vasalampi, K. (submitted). The impact of reading and math skills and adhd on educational attainment and receiving basic social assistance: a 6 – year follow-up study in Finland. Learning and Individual Differences.
Partio, J., Virtanen, T., Torppa, M., Koskenvuo, K., Lerkkanen, M.-K., Poikkeus, A.-M. & Vasalampi, K. (in preparation). Profiles of academic skills, ADHD and depressive symptoms in adolescence: Consequences for graduation and receipt of social assistance.
Parviainen, M., Aunola, K., Torppa, M., Poikkeus, A.-M., & Vasalampi, K. (2020). Symptoms of psychological ill-being and school dropout intentions among upper secondary education students: A person-centered approach. Learning and Individual Differences, 80, 101853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2020.101853
Parviainen, M. (2025). Students’ psychological ill-being from primary school to upper secondary education: profiles, antecedents, and outcomes. Doctoral dissertation, University of Jyväskylä. https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-86-0480-8
Parviainen, M., Aunola, K., Torppa M., Koskenvuo, K., Saarikallio-Torp, M, Poikkeus, A.-M., & Vasalampi K. (2025). Symptoms of school burnout in comprehensive school and mental health problems in late adolescence. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1111/sjop.70064
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Puustelli, S., Savolainen, K., Piirainen, I., & Vasalampi, K., (2025). Varhaisnuoruuden ulkoinen ongelmakäyttäytyminen voi vaarantaa siirtymän jatkokoulutukseen tai työelämään. Psykologia, 163-178. https://doi.org/10.62443/psykologia.v60i3.142649
Tunkkari, M., Kiuru, N., Virtanen, T., & Vasalampi, K. (2025a). Antecedents of the developmental trajectories of school absences. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/00313831.2025.2506380
Tunkkari, M., Kiuru, N., Virtanen, T., & Vasalampi, K. (2025b). Outcomes of developmental trajectories of school absences among adolescents. International Journal of Behavioral Development, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1177/01650254251382284

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