Characteristics and management of school phobia/refusal

Abstract

School phobics/ref usals form a heterogeneous group of students whose different etiology necessitates an understanding of different management strategies. Although anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms are common traits of the condition, a multi-faceted approach of evaluating and working with the school environment, the family and the student is needed. Younger students have responded well to behaviourally based strategies, while older and adolescent school phobic students are more resistant to treatment, with the school phobia often one aspect of a more complex social-emotional problem. The need to have the student return to school, yet still provide support and understanding to the family and the student is critical. Persistence, consistence and cooperation on the part of the school and family are important factors in the management strategies.