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Cross-Cultural Perspectives on School Absenteeism: Comparative Profiles from Italy, Spain, and Turkey
Carolina Gonzálvez1, María Pérez-Marco1, Andrea Fuster1
1Department of Developmental Psychology and Didactics, University of Alicante, Spain.
Continuity in Education
|June 22, 2026
Summary
School absenteeism varies significantly across Southern Europe, with Italy, Spain, and Turkey showing different attendance challenges. This study identified distinct absenteeism profiles, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Education
- Sociology
Background:
- School absenteeism presents a global challenge, with notable disparities in Southern Europe.
- Prevalence rates differ significantly between Italy (60.8%), Spain (28.3%), and Turkey (53.2%), influenced by cultural, geographical, and methodological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare school absenteeism profiles across Italy, Spain, and Turkey.
- To analyze the dimensions of truancy (TR) and school refusal (SR) within these profiles.
- To identify cross-national and gender-specific differences in absenteeism patterns.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the ARSNA instrument for assessing school absenteeism.
- Examined truancy and school refusal dimensions.
- Conducted cross-country comparative analysis among Italy, Spain, and Turkey.
Main Results:
- Identified four distinct profiles: Non-school absenteeism, Truancy, School refusal, and Mixed school absenteeism.
- Observed cross-national variations, with truancy more common in Turkey and school refusal in Spain (non-significant).
- Found significant gender differences in Italy, with girls more represented in school refusal profiles.
Conclusions:
- Cross-cultural patterns in school absenteeism exist, necessitating tailored interventions.
- Understanding specific profiles like truancy and school refusal is crucial for effective support.
- Gender influences school refusal patterns, particularly in the Italian context.
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