Apathy and Attrition: Exploring Student Disengagement toward Longer Texts in Literature Classes

This qualitative study explores the factors contributing to student apathy and attrition when reading longer literary texts in higher education literature classes, and examines how students perceive the relevance and emotional impact of these extended readings. Using semi-structured interviews with sixteen purposively selected students, the study uncovers themes that reflect both internal and external barriers to engagement. Findings reveal that students often feel overwhelmed by the complexity and length of texts, citing time constraints, mental fatigue, and unfamiliar language as significant deterrents to sustained reading. Classroom-related challenges such as noise, lack of supportive reading environments, and insufficient instructional scaffolding further exacerbate disengagement. Additionally, many students question the relevance of traditional texts to their lives, describing a disconnect between the content and their contemporary realities. However, a number of participants acknowledg the academic benefits of reading longer works, particularly in enhancing vocabulary and critical thinking. Emotional responses to reading ranged from frustration and boredom to moments of motivation, especially when themes resonate personally or are unpacked meaningfully in class. By situating these findings within existing literature, the study addresses a gap in understanding how college students experience and emotionally respond to long-form literary reading. It offers implications for creating more responsive, relevant, and supportive literature instruction in the classroom.