Theoretical Basis for a Group Intervention Aimed at Preventing High School Dropout: The Case of 'Guttas Campus'

Gro Hilde Ramsdal; Rolf Wynn

doi:10.3390/ijerph192417025

Theoretical Basis for a Group Intervention Aimed at Preventing High School Dropout: The Case of 'Guttas Campus'

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Dec 18;19(24):17025. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192417025.

Authors

Gro Hilde Ramsdal¹, Rolf Wynn²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Social Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9404 Harstad, Norway.
² Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway.

Abstract

School dropout may have important negative consequences for the individual as well as for society. It is therefore important to help students stay in school. Group interventions have been developed to reduce dropout, but the theoretical underpinnings of such programs are not always obvious. This study focuses on the Norwegian dropout-prevention program named 'Guttas Campus' (The Boys' Camp). We draw on published and unpublished research, other sources of written information, discussions with stakeholders, and direct observation of the intervention, to identify central theories that form the basis of the intervention. These theories are briefly presented, and the impact of the ideas on the intervention is analysed.

Keywords: character strength; group intervention; positive education; positive psychology; school dropout; school re-enrolment; theoretical basis.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Humans
Male
Schools
Student Dropouts*
Students*

Grants and funding

The APC was covered by the Publication Fund of UiT—The Arctic University of Norway.