Suicidality, School Dropout, and Reading Problems Among Adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and school dropout among youth with poor reading in comparison to youth with typical reading (n = 188) recruited from public schools at the age of 15. In a prospective naturalistic study, youth and parents participated in repeated research assessments to obtain information about suicide ideation and attempts, psychiatric and sociodemographic variables, and school dropout. Youth with poor reading ability were more likely to experience suicidal ideation or attempts and more likely to drop out of school than youth with typical reading, even after controlling for sociodemographic and psychiatric variables. Suicidality and school dropout were strongly associated with each other. Prevention efforts should focus on better understanding the relationship between these outcomes, as well as on the developmental paths leading up to these behaviors among youth with reading difficulties.

Helping children with reading difficulties: some things we have learned so far

“…Poor reading is associated with increased risk for school dropout, attempted suicide, incarceration, anxiety, depression, and low self-concept. [3][4][5][6] It is therefore important to identify and treat poor readers as early as we possibly can.…”

Empathy and theory of mind abilities of children with specific learning disorder (SLD)

“…While multiple studies have focused on academic problems in children with SLD, limited research has been conducted on psychosocial problems accompanying SLD. Some studies have reported children with SLD have the following characteristics: more frequent absences from school and problems with social relations, greater depression and pessimism, and lower self-respect [5][6][7][8]. In studies on adults with SLD, participants especially reported fear of inability, lack of self-confidence, and challenges in affiliation [9].…”

Prosodiya – A Mobile Game for German Dyslexic Children

“…Usually, they lose motivation for the learning process as well as faith that they will ever be able to develop a comprehension of literacy language [2]. If these children do not receive appropriate treatments, negative consequences in the long run may arise, such as poor graduation and higher chances to drop out from school, resulting in poor employment prospects or unemployment [10]. Overall, the learning disorder has a negative impact not only on mental health but also on social and cultural participation [1].…”