From a review of the literature, it is concluded that (i) each form of pupil absenteeism relates to a heterogeneous group of children; (ii) because of such heterogeneity, those who are involved in assessment and intervention in relation to pupil absenteeism are faced with a demanding task; (iii) as a consequence of their education and training,…

School refusal behavior can lead to disruptions in both educational attainment and social development. One of the common causes of school refusal behavior is separation anxiety disorder (SAD). Research suggests that children with SAD and school refusal behavior show an increased rate of psychiatric consultation and a decreased likelihood of…

Notes that substantial confusion exists regarding comparative diagnostic criteria and treatment implications for school phobia and separation anxiety. Literature survey demonstrates tendency of school personnel to put all students exhibiting these disorders into group of "school refusers." Sees treatment issues handled similarly despite evidence…

Reviews literature on school phobia which reveals predominant view concerning its etiology is separation anxiety theory. Critically analyzes theory on three grounds: methodological problems, lack of generalizability concerning pathological mother-child relationships, and lack of emphasis on external etiological variables. Recommends reexamining…

The current article reviews the literature on school refusal behavior. Definitional inconsistencies, the effects of biased assessment processes, and the consequences of the lack of ethnic, racial, and economic diversity in school refusal research samples are highlighted. An increase in the use of low-income, ethnic minority, community samples in…

Presents a critical review of the studies that have applied behavioral techniques in the treatment of school phobia. Notes the conspicuous absences of any studies designed to assess either the relative efficacy of behavior therapy in comparison to other types of therapy or the different effects of various behavioral treatments. (JAC)

Reviews studies that have examined comorbid syndromal and symptomatic depression and school refusal behavior. Discusses implications for classification systems, including need for flexible taxonomic strategies that include persons with severe collective, and less severe individual, symptoms of negative affectivity. Discusses recommendations for…

School phobia is an irrational fear or anxiety about attending school. Definite distinctions can be made between the school phobic and the truant, both of whom miss school on a regular basis. It appears that the incidence of school phobia is evenly distributed between the sexes and among age levels from 5 through 15 years, and is not significantly…

Anxiety-based school refusal occurs in 2% of school-age children. The reasons why they refuse to go school range from mental illness and learning problems to general defiance and a desire for attention. Early identification and multi-faceted assessment and interventions are critical to addressing the problem. This book offers concise, practical…

Focuses on the differentiation between acute and chronic school-phobic adolescents. Discusses incidence, classification systems, case descriptions, and distinctive features of acute and chronic school phobia. Identification of appropriate treatment strategies is stressed. (Author)

Seeks to assist college counselors and administrative personnel in identifying problems related to homesickness. A cognitively oriented theoretical base is used. Recommendations are made regarding structures and procedures for greater student retention. (Author/JC)

Although fearful avoidance of school is a complex and serious problem among school-age children, there are techniques available to professionals for assisting children to overcome school-related anxiety. It is important for school personnel to identify school-phobic children and to assist in planning the earliest possible intervention. (Author)

The paper presents the view that opening up learning beyond school walls and age barriers, although a positive extension of human potential, has left the learners of this open learning to be exposed to the toxic meta-context of a "culture of 'fear'" with its attending violence/hurting that pervades the cultural landscape. Evidence is presented…

This literature review focuses on behavioral intervention strategies for the reduction of school-related fears and anxieties. Major behavior therapy procedures are discussed: systematic desensitization and its variations, modeling, self-control, and cognitive behavioral approaches. General research trends in fear and anxiety reduction are also…

This paper emphasizes the need to look for causes of school phobia and maladjustment not only in the pupil, but also in his peer interactions and in aspects of the school, particularly teachers' attitudes toward communication and the use of language in learning. (Author/SJL)