Described the effectiveness of a combined curricular-counseling intervention strategy for reducing mathematics anxiety among women returning to college. Results suggested that maximum effectiveness in reducing measured mathematics anxiety was achieved when participants enrolled in a mathematics course and attended a multifaceted counseling support…

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…

Explores common clinical childhood fears (separation anxiety disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder) and suggests balancing treatment with input from psychologists, teachers, and parents. (Author/JOW)

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…

Background: School refusal behavior is a particularly nettlesome problem for mental health and education professionals because of its symptom severity and heterogeneity as well as lack of consensus regarding inclusive classification strategies. Alternatively, a functional model of school refusal behavior may provide a particularly useful way of…

A special unit for children failing to attend school addressed the needs of students with school phobia, psychosomatic symptoms, fantasies, difficulties with parents, problems with clothes and behavior, poor self-image, and gaps in knowledge. The program aimed for reintegration into ordinary schools. (CL)

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)

The case study describes counseling for a family whose 7-year old refused to go to school and whose parents had never really come to terms with the death of their physically handicapped son. (CL)

The author offers a program for a group of irresponsible, uncommitted, unproductive, and generally maladjusted boys. The program aims at increased school attendance, improved grades, increased peer acceptance, decreased school suspension, increased willingness to accept legitimate authority and increased educational and vocational aspirations.…

Characteristic behaviors and personality features of school phobia (anxiety, willfulness, dependency, depression, and unrealistic self image) are described, and 10 steps in a school-based intervention approach are listed (including assessing the family constellation, preparing teachers for the student's return to school, and encouraging therapy…

Suggests to teachers some techniques for identifying and helping the school-phobic child. (SJL)

Ideas are presented for parents in reducing their child's anxiety about school, including (1) talk with the child; (2) discuss how to relate to teachers; (3) suggest ways of making friends; (4) help children become organized; and (5) accept the child. (CB)