This book examines the complicated personal and institutional factors that influence a student's decision to terminate his studies; it investigates ways to enable him to resume his education and utilize his talents. The opening chapters approach the problem from an administrative point of view, reporting on statistical and psychological research and indicating future directions. Subsequent chapters deal with personal dimensions: relations between the student and his college environment; the effects of timing of readmission; family attitudes toward the dropout; the effectiveness of psychiatric treatment; personality traits that contribute to a student’s difficulties. College administrators will find this study relevant to policy decisions on admissions, medical services, and course structuring. Clinicians and researchers will find guidelines for therapy and suggestions for further investigation. Finally, parents of college dropouts will gain new understanding of the problem and the best way to meet it.

Originally published in 1966.

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