Vulnerable youth – dependency or independence? : school experiences, transitions and adaptation to and within adult life

Abstract

This article examines the factors that influence the potential for independence among individuals experiencing special learning conditions in upper secondary school owing to psycho-social difficulties (PSDs) or general learning difficulties (general LDs). Using longitudinal data collected on 357 individuals from 1995/1996 through 2007, adaptation to adulthood is studied by the logistic regression analysis of two dependent variables – full-time employment and living situation. The situation of the students with PSDs and/or general LDs is compared with the situation of students with other types of difficulties. The results indicate that individuals with PSDs experience greater challenges in obtaining a job and a residence of their own. Having special educational support in schools, such as teaching assistants, seems to have a negative effect on achieving an independent life. Keywords: life course perspective; transitions; special educational terms; psycho-social difficulties; learning difficulties; independent living.