Keywords
University dropout
Latent profiles Abandono universitario
Perfiles de afrontamiento
Perfiles latentes
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: University dropout is a persistent problem in higher education, closely linked to psychological processes that affect student adaptation. Among these processes, coping strategies has received little attention, particularly from person-centred approaches. The objective of this study is to explore coping profiles in university students and analyse their relationship with the intention to dropout, as well as the distribution by gender and knowledge area. Method: 1,632 first-year students from a Spanish university participated. A latent profile analysis was performed to identify coping profiles, along with multivariate analyses to examine differences in dropout intention and sociodemographic variables. Results: Three profiles were identified: Low Coping Profile (LCP), Mixed Engagement-Disengagement Profile (MEDP) and High Emotion-Engagement Profile (HEEP). A clear gradient emerged in dropout intention (LCP > HEEP > MEDP). No statistically significant differences in profile membership were found by gender or field of study. Conclusions: The results show that students’ coping profiles differ in their vulnerability to dropout intention, underscoring the importance of strengthening adaptive coping resources from the outset of university.
References
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