School Phobia: Implications for School Health Educators

ABSTRACT

This review addresses school phobia, a problem of growing concern among educators. Clear definitions of school phobia have emerged only recently, but differential diagnosis between school phobia and related disorders remains controversial. The public health implications of school phobia are significant. Various school personnel may play key roles in the identification of school phobia. Theoretical explanations of school phobia address the questions regarding whether the phobia is stimulated by something in the school setting, phobia is actually of the school, or is merely a component of the school. The pathology of school phobia can be severe. School health educators need to recognize its symptoms and the profile of those at risk to engage in early intervention. The prevalence of school phobia varies depending on the source. Strategies for early intervention are comprehensive and coordinated and can be integrated into existing frameworks such as the coordinated school health program. Future directions include addressing school phobia from an ecological perspective.