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…

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)

Surveyed 63 professional psychologists specializing in youth and family practice about recently referred and treated cases of school refusal behavior. Obtained data on clinical prevalence; demographic characteristics; length of absenteeism; severity; etiology; and length, type, and success of treatments used. Results revealed that children…

A case is described in which a school psychologist treated a high school boy of 16 for school phobia, using a behavioral contract and two weeks of daily 30-minute sessions in which mental images were evoked of school situations that had been the cause of severe anxiety. (CTM)

Describes the characteristics, epidemiology, treatment, and implications of school phobia. Treatment methods focus on psychodynamic, cognitive and behavioral approaches. (BL)

Describes school phobia and school refusal as two ends of a continuum from involuntary symptoms to willful refusal. A treatment case is reported to demonstrate the strategies of reestablishing the proper parent-child hierarchy, as well as the principles of effective case management. (JAC)

Non-attendance in school as an avoiding behavior is discussed with implications for counselor intervention. (BL)

Cognitive behavioral psychology is a new theoretical orientation and when applied in treatment it is known as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Theoretically CBT seeks primarily to change cognitions to alter behaviors and to modify cognitions to affect emotions. In general CBT is considered to be an information processing psychology because it…

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)

School refusal behavior is defined as any child-motivated refusal to attend classes and/or difficulty remaining in classes for an entire day. Although many researchers have focused on older children and adolescents in their samples, few have specifically focused on young children aged 5-9 years (i.e., kindergarten to third grade). In this article,…

Chapter 1 of this document defines school phobia as an exaggerated and irrational fear of attending school. In this chapter, school phobia is distinguished from truancy, the incidence and consequences of school phobia are discussed, characteristics of school phobia are described, and types of school phobia are identified. The chapter concludes…

This paper addresses the problem of school phobia, one of the most common childhood anxiety disorders. It presents four case studies of preadolescent school phobia involving two girls and two boys in grades four through seven. Several features of effective strategies for the assessment and treatment of school phobia which have emerged from the…