The Behavioral and familial functions of school phobic children

In this study, factors that are assumed to affect the initiation of school phobia are examined. The characteristics of the child, parents and school which are the risk factors that initiate school phobia, are compared with normal children. The behavioral characteristics of the children with school phobia, psychological symptoms of their mothers and the family functions are determined. The risk factors for school phobia which are children's behavioral characteristics, the mothers" psychological symptoms and family functions are examined together. The experimental group consisted of 34 girls and 36 boys aged between 6- 11 and also their mothers. The control group consisted of 70 children and were matched with the experimental group according to gender, age and socio-economic status. The experimental and the control groups were compared in regard to demographic variables and risk factors on the interview form. The children which are diagnosed to have school phobia are assessed with Behavioral Assessment Scale for Children Aged 4-18; mothers* psychological symptoms are evaluated with SCL-90-R and Family Assessment Scale is used to determine the family functions. The findings imply that risk factors are important in initiating school phobia The problem behavior of children, family functions and psychological symptoms of the mothers are valid for most of the subjects, however most of children and mothers were within the normal range of the scales and their families were well functioning. As a result, it can be concluded that the problem is multifactorial and each child should be evaluated individually. It is suggested that, prevention and suggestions on the functioning of the family, risk factors and psychopathology of the child and the mother should be considered in the treatment plan. VII