Cognitive-individual and social-interpersonal protective factors: dual safeguards against dropout intentions in Peru

University attrition is a multicausal phenomenon that calls for an examination of sociodemographic, institutional, academic and psychological factors. In Peru, regional disparities, the unregulated expansion of universities and high rates of dropout have raised concerns about the considerable loss of valuable human resources. This study adopts a quantitative approach to identify the role of social-interpersonal factors (social skills and social support), as mediated by cognitive-individual ones (goal efficacy and planning), in the development of dropout intentions among university students. The sample included 536 students from eight universities, both public and private, in three regions of Peru. Findings show that students with higher levels of social support and social skills are less likely to develop dropout intentions, particularly when these factors are mediated by goal efficacy and planning. Differences were observed based on sex and region. It is concluded that social-interpersonal factors are strong mitigators of dropout intentions, especially if mediated by cognitive-individual factors. Identifying these underlying psychological factors can help university leaders design multidimensional strategies for student retention. This study will contribute to support public policies and further interventions oriented to reduce the loss of highly educated individuals who could positively transform Peruvian society.