A photovoice study of school belongingness among high school students in Norway

• Published in: International Journal of Circumpolar Health
• Main Authors: Vaiva Sunniva Deraas Lieblein, Maria Warne, Suzanne Huot, Debbie Laliberte Rudman, Ruth Kjærsti Raanaas
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2018
• Subjects: Upper secondary school; school dropout; high north; youth; health promotion; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic; Norway; Circumpolar Health; Finnmark; International Journal of Circumpolar Health
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2017.1421369; https://doaj.org/article/8f31f35e42ae498fab619f2872a6f56a

Although high school graduation is important for living conditions and health throughout life, many students do not complete. In Norway’s northern most county, Finnmark, up to 45% of students do not complete high school. Contrary to prior research that has primarily focused on causes for dropout, this study’s aim was to deepen understanding of factors that support high school attendance. A strengths-based participatory approach using photovoice addressed attendance factors as perceived by seven participating students from one high school in Finnmark. Qualitative content analysis of data generated through group dialogue about participant-generated photos and individual interviews identified six factors important for students’ school attendance: a supportive school environment, a good learning environment, recuperation and recreation, family and friends, goals and ambitions, and place attachment. Related aspects of a supportive environment and belongingness, where school staff made important contributions to promoting a positive environment, were essential.