College dropouts: The developmental logic of psychosocial moratoria

Students who temporarily drop out of college frequently return with a better sense of direction. The reasons for this change are poorly understood. This paper describes several issues leave takers confront—including self-sustenance, autonomy, and escaping a fearful destiny—from a psychodynamic, social, and developmental perspective. The implications for psychosocial theories of adult development are also discussed.Dr. Ochberg holds a Ph. D. in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan. He is interested in psychotherapy with college students and psychosocial theories of adult development.