Social Integration, Subjective Well-being, and Dropout Intention: A Predictive Model in Higher Education

Different research articles have related Social Integration variables and Well-being with dropout in higher education. It is possible to propose that well-being acts as mediator between social integration and dropout intention due to the observed relations between these variables and the theoretical framework support. The present article aims to evaluate a predictive model with social integration variables (Social Support and Sense of Belonging) as predictors of dropout intention in higher education and subjective well-being as mediator. A cross-sectional study with a non-experimental design and a non-probabilistic sample was conducted. 891 students answered a questionnaire consisting of 4 variables: sense of belonging, social support (as social integration variables), subjective well-being and dropout intention. Results showed evidence of instrument’s factorial invariance. The structural equation model showed good fit indices for the tested model, where subjective well-being partially mediates the relationship between social integration variables and dropout intention. These results allow to conclude that the social integration variables effect on dropout intention is direct, possibly related to instrumental and emotional support to problems in university life, and it is also indirect, possibly because the effect of social integration improves life quality while studying.