Heterogeneity in Korean school dropouts and its associations with emerging adulthood adjustment

Using a Korean national longitudinal survey, the present study sought to identify heterogeneous profiles of school dropouts based on contextual risks and their associations with career-related outcomes (attainment of a high-school diploma and productive engagement) and mental health problems (depressive symptoms, substance use, addiction to electronic devices, and unhealthy eating habits) in emerging adulthood. Latent profile analysis identified four risk profiles: “moderate family/school risks” (54.29%), “early dropout with high SES” (8.89%), “early dropout with multiple risks” (7.30%), and “school maladjustment” (29.52%). The “early dropout with multiple risks” profile showed poor career-related outcomes, while the “school maladjustment” profile exhibited higher productive engagement but higher mental health problems. The “school maladjustment” profile showed higher depressive symptoms and addiction to electronic devices in emerging adulthood through increased perceived social stigma. Integrated programs addressing education, career development, and mental health, are needed while taking into account unique contexts and at-risk domains in each profile.