The problem of school absence in the junior high years is described. Incidence of unexcused absence is estimated at about 7% in the United States for adolescents ages 12 through 15. The long-term consequences of truancy for males are greater marginality, less success in the workplace, and an increased likelihood of delinquency and psychopathology. Data for females are sparse. Factors most clearly associated with truancy are low achievement in school, inadequate parenting, and conditions of deprivation. Gaps in information on truancy and suggested directions for research are specified.
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