School Attendance Problems Research Articles

Secondary school students’ perspectives on supports for overcoming school attendance problems: a qualitative case study in Germany

Secondary school students’ perspectives on supports for overcoming school attendance problems: a qualitative case study in Germany

School climate and attendance problems: the mediating role of student's academic and interpersonal competence

A positive school climate promotes regular attendance through strong relationships, a sense of belonging, diversity promotion, clear rules, and safety, leading to improved relational and educational outcomes. This study explores how perceived academic and interpersonal competence mediate the relationship between school climate components and absenteeism, using Havik’s(2015) model. A cross-sectionalstudy of 539 Italian high school students employed structural equation modelling with latent variables to examine these mediations. Results indicated that perceptions of interpersonal competence mediated the relationship between Peer Connectedness ( =.16,p<.01) and Affirming Diversity ( =-.05, p<.05) with Truancy. Perceived academic competence mediated the relationship between School Connectedness and Subjective Health ( =-.12, p<.01), Truancy ( =-.14, p<.01), andSchool Refusal ( =-.14, p<.01). The findings highlight the importance of promoting a positive school climate and enhancing students’ competences to reduce absenteeism.

Prevention of School Attendance Problems in Japan: A Macro-Level Perspective on Avoidance Behaviour

In this study, we examined government policies and the relevant law on prevention measures for school attendance problems in Japanese compulsory education schools from the perspective of school avoidance behaviour. In summary: (a) the number of students with school attendance problems has been increasing rapidly since 2017; (b) despite an increase in school counsellors as a government-initiated prevention measure, the number of students with school attendance problems has risen; (c) government policies and the relevant law seek to foster social independence even for students unable to return to school and to provide spaces where students with school attendance problems feel comfortable, which may inadvertently reinforce or perpetuate school avoidance behaviour; and (d) in the Japanese compulsory education system, stakeholders have limited opportunities to block school avoidance behaviour. We propose two measures to prevent school attendance problems drawing on a macro-level behavioural perspective: (a) employing data on class absences in mainstream schools, regardless of the reason for the absence, as an evaluation criterion for prolonged school absenteeism, and (b) implementing appropriate grade repetition for students who miss classes in their mainstream school over a certain threshold, including withholding the school diploma.

Prevention of School Attendance Problems in Japan: A Macro-Level Perspective on Avoidance Behaviour

Prevention of School Attendance Problems in Japan: A Macro-Level Perspective on Avoidance Behaviour

Adolescent school refusal and academic self‐efficacy: A latent profile and regression analysis

AbstractSchool refusal is a serious problem that negatively affects academic performance, connection to school, and socioemotional well‐being of students. Numerous scientific works have suggested that school refusal is associated with internalizing problems. However, it is necessary to determine how this condition may affect certain academic variables, such as perceived academic self‐efficacy. This study has three objectives: to identify school refusal profiles according to the Kearney and Silverman functional model (1990); to analyze differences in means based on the identified profiles of perceived academic self‐efficacy; and to determine the predictive capacity of school refusal on perceived academic self‐efficacy. Participants consisted of 2357 Spanish students (56.8% girls), aged 13–17 (M = 15.24, SD = 1.26). They were administered the School Refusal Assessment Scale‐Revised (SRAS‐R) and the Academic Situation‐Specific Perceived Self‐Efficacy Scale (ASSPSE). Three profiles of school refusal were identified using Latent Profile Analysis, and the differential functioning of these profiles was determined using the academic self‐efficacy dimension. Mixed profiles of school refusal obtained the lowest mean scores on the academic self‐efficacy dimension. The findings are discussed with regard to the importance of enhancing perceived academic self‐efficacy to prevent school attendance problems in adolescents and young children.

An exploration of school attendance problems experienced by children receiving mental health services

Aim:School attendance problems (SAPs) are a concern across education systems worldwide. SAPs are disproportionally experienced by certain groups of children, in particular those with mental health difficulties. Existing literature has identified myriad factors, including those proximal and distal, that influence attendance for these children. Most studies to date have focused on linear relationships between a small number of variables and fail to differentiate between types of SAPs (Heyne et al., 2019). A broader understanding of the complex context of school attendance problems remains understudied and is the focus of the current study.Method:Using a qualitative design, we explored a) the SAP typologies and b) the individual characteristics and education-related needs associated with the school attendance problems of 15 children receiving mental health services at a community clinic.Findings:Analyses of client files indicated that a) emotionally based school avoidance was the most common typology, b) approximately half the sample experienced one type of attendance problem while half experienced multiple types, c) anxiety was experienced by all children, and d) emotional, behavioural, social, and academic needs were noted in relation to SAPs over time. Our findings reflect the complex and varied profiles of students who share the experience of having significant school attendance problems.Limitations:Limitations of our study include potential bias introduced through the multi-step data extraction process, a reliance on the judgement of clinicians, and a lack of full access to data caused by Covid-19 restrictions.Conclusions:Future research and practice would benefit from a differentiated approach to understanding, preventing, and intervening to improve attendance and broad success for students with mental health difficulties.

The Effectiveness of Modular Transdiagnostic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Versus Treatment as Usual for Youths Displaying School Attendance Problems: A Randomized Controlled Trial

School attendance problems (SAPs) are associated with negative short- and long-term outcomes. Despite high prevalence of SAPs, there is a shortage of evidence-based interventions. Existing approaches often target either school refusal or truancy, leaving a gap in effective interventions addressing both types of SAPs. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessed the effectiveness of Back2School (B2S), a modular transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for SAPs, compared to treatment as usual (TAU). Outcomes included youths’ school attendance and mental health. A group (B2S, TAU) × time (Pre, Post, 3-Month Follow-Up) design involving 152 youths (B2S; n = 74, TAU; n = 78) with SAPs (i.e., ≥ 10% absence in the past three months), aged 6–16 years (M = 12.2, SD = 2.2, males = 60%) were used. B2S comprised three months of CBT with youths, parents, and school involvement, while TAU comprised public and/or private intervention services. On average, youths in B2S received 15.0, (SD = 3.9) hours of intervention, while those in TAU received 13.4, (SD = 21.6). Intervention effects were investigated using mixed linear models. Both B2S and TAU exhibited significant within-group improvements in school attendance, with no significant differences between them. However, the B2S group significantly outperformed TAU in reducing youths’ emotional problems, conduct problems, problems with peers, the overall impact of problems, and increasing youths self-efficacy for attending school and parent self-efficacy for dealing with a SAP. This RCT represents the first evaluation of a modular transdiagnostic CBT for youths displaying SAPs, showing significant mental health and self-efficacy benefits. (Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03459677).

The Evolution of Research on School Attendance: A Bibliometric Review of Scholarly Output

<p style="text-align: justify;">School attendance problems are of great research interest, which is reflected in the increase of scientific publications. This increase hinders the adequate follow-up and updating of the scientific community on the subject. The aim of the present bibliometric study lies in the review of the scientific literature published on school attendance problems during 2014-2021. A bibliographic search and analysis of scientific articles was performed, obtaining a definitive sample of 700 documents. Results were extracted and analyzed for the following indicators: temporal productivity, productivity by authors, co-authorship index, productivity by journals, use of topics, research areas addressed and types of samples used. The number of publications indicates a progressive increase of interest on the subject, which has not corresponded to the creation of a specific journal on the subject. There is also evidence of the need for consensus on the topics to be used; the preference for knowing the factors associated with school attendance problems over other areas of research; and the generalized use of community samples as opposed to more specific ones. In conclusion, the characteristics researched on school attendance problems are presented; knowledge that will facilitate the establishment of intervention processes applicable to different contexts and realities.</p>

The Long and Winding Road of Restoration —Study on Outcome Types and Family Psychological Processes in Adolescents with School Attendance Problems

The Long and Winding Road of Restoration —Study on Outcome Types and Family Psychological Processes in Adolescents with School Attendance Problems

“The Unbearable Weight of Life”: A Qualitative Study of the Family Adaptation Process among Adolescents with School Attendance Problems

“The Unbearable Weight of Life”: A Qualitative Study of the Family Adaptation Process among Adolescents with School Attendance Problems

A Case Study of the Return Journey of Adolescents with School Attendance Problems

A Case Study of the Return Journey of Adolescents with School Attendance Problems

A Latent Class Analysis of Mental Health Symptoms in Primary School Children: Exploring Associations with School Attendance Problems

A Latent Class Analysis of Mental Health Symptoms in Primary School Children: Exploring Associations with School Attendance Problems

School distress and the school attendance crisis: a story dominated by neurodivergence and unmet need.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus a school attendance crisis in many countries, although this likely pre-dates the pandemic. Children and young people (CYP) struggling to attend school often display extreme emotional distress before/during/after school. We term this School Distress. Here we sought to elucidate the characteristics of the CYP struggling to attend school in the United Kingdom. Using a case-control, concurrent embedded mixed-method research design, 947 parents of CYP with experience of School Distress completed a bespoke online questionnaire (February/March 2022), alongside an age-matched control group (n = 149) and a smaller group of parents who electively home-educate (n = 25). In 94.3% of cases, school attendance problems were underpinned by significant emotional distress, with often harrowing accounts of this distress provided by parents. While the mean age of the CYP in this sample was 11.6 years (StDev 3.1 years), their School Distress was evident to parents from a much younger age (7.9 years). Notably, 92.1% of CYP currently experiencing School Distress were described as neurodivergent (ND) and 83.4% as autistic. The Odds Ratio of autistic CYP experiencing School Distress was 46.61 [95% CI (24.67, 88.07)]. Autistic CYP displayed School Distress at a significantly earlier age, and it was significantly more enduring. Multi-modal sensory processing difficulties and ADHD (among other neurodivergent conditions) were also commonly associated with School Distress; with School Distress CYP having an average of 3.62 NDs (StDev 2.68). In addition, clinically significant anxiety symptomology (92.5%) and elevated demand avoidance were also pervasive. Mental health difficulties in the absence of a neurodivergent profile were, however, relatively rare (6.17%). Concerningly, despite the striking levels of emotional distress and disability reported by parents, parents also reported a dearth of meaningful support for their CYP at school. While not a story of exclusivity relating solely to autism, School Distress is a story dominated by complex neurodivergence and a seemingly systemic failure to meet the needs of these CYP. Given the disproportionate number of disabled CYP impacted, we ask whether the United Kingdom is upholding its responsibility to ensure the "right to an education" for all CYP (Human Rights Act 1998).

School Attendance Problems Among Children with Neurodevelopmental Conditions One year Following the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The present study investigated school absence among 1,076 5-15 year-old children with neurodevelopmental conditions (intellectual disability and/or autism) approximately one year following the start of COVID-19 in the UK. Parents completed an online survey indicating whether their child was absent from school during May 2021 and the reason for each absence. Multi-variable regression models investigated child, family and school variables associated with absenteeism and types of absenteeism. Qualitative data were collected on barriers and facilitators of school attendance. During May 2021, 32% of children presented with persistent absence (missing ≥ 10% of school). School refusal and absence due to ill-health were the most frequent types of absence, accounting for 37% and 22% of days missed, respectively. COVID-19 related absence accounted for just 11% of days missed. Child anxiety was associated with overall absenteeism and with days missed because of school refusal. Parent pandemic anxiety and child conduct problems were not associated with school absenteeism. Hyperactivity was associated with lower levels of absenteeism and school refusal but higher levels of school exclusion. A positive parent-teacher relationship was associated with lower levels of absenteeism, school refusal and exclusion. Child unmet need in school was the most frequently reported barrier to attendance while COVID-19 was one of the least frequently reported barriers. COVID-19 had a limited impact on school attendance problems during this period. Findings highlighted the role of child mental health in different types of absence and the likely protective role of a positive parent-teacher relationship.

Typologies of Spanish Youth with School Refusal Behavior and Their Relationship with Aggression

ABSTRACT School refusal behavior is a serious problem that has significant consequences for the personal, academic, and social adjustment of young people. Although school attendance problems have been associated with physical violence, aggression or cyberbullying, there is a lack of studies that have analyzed the relationship between this problematic behavior and aggressiveness based on the Buss – Perry Aggression model. This work has two main goals: first, to identify school refusal behavior profiles based on the functional model of this variable; and, secondly, to analyze possible differences in four major aggression dimensions based on the Buss – Perry aggression questionnaire (Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression, Anger, and Hostility) depending on the profiles identified. Participants were 1,509 Spanish adolescents (60.6% male) aged 12–18 years (M = 14.81; SD = 1.85). The School Refusal Assessment Scale-Revised (SRAS-R) and the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) were administered. Four school refusal behavior profiles (Non-School Refusal Behavior, Low School Refusal Behavior, Mixed School Refusal Behavior, and High Mixed School Refusal Behavior) were identified using Latent Profile Analysis, and differential functioning of those profiles across the dimensions of aggression was found. The Mixed School Refusal Behavior and High Mixed School Refusal Behavior groups showed the highest mean scores in the dimensions of aggression. These findings highlight that the identification of different profiles and risk factors regarding school refusal behavior may be relevant for early intervention. Findings are discussed in relation to the importance of reducing the risk of violent and aggressive behaviors to prevent school attendance problems in adolescents and younger ages.

School Attendance Problems in Scotland and Spain: Variations in Recording, Reporting, and Using Data

School attendance problems (SAPs) are a worldwide concern due to their significant impact on students’ development. SAPs may vary across countries depending on the effectiveness of policy measures for prevention and care, the functioning of the educational systems, and the cultural and social environments, among others. According to the latest PISA results, 6.5% of Spanish students were absent from school once or twice per week. In Scotland, school absence rates increased from 7% to 8% from the 2018−2019 to 2020−2021 academic year even after accounting for COVID-19 related absences. This paper draws on official documents and statistics to investigate SAPs in Spain and Scotland, considering differences in the structure of the education system, approaches to recording absences in schools, strengths, and weaknesses of each system. It sets the scene by describing the educational context, the conceptualization of absenteeism, recording procedures, reporting issues and data in Spain and Scotland. The paper demonstrates that these countries have different ways of reporting and making this information available. Finally, comments on lessons learned and suggestions for policy and research relating to absenteeism are considered.

Recording, Reporting and Utilising School Absenteeism Data in Finland: Work in Progress

School attendance problems (SAPs) among young people in compulsory education appear to be increasing in Finland. A recent report showed that, according to school personnel, there are at minimum 4 thousand (2−3%) lower secondary students with SAPs, and the problem is perceived to be growing. To tackle SAPs, local action plans have been developed, most commonly by schools or education providers. Going forward, a key issue for schools and education providers is the way in which data on school attendance/absence is gathered and used. This paper provides and overview of the current approaches to recording, reporting, and utilizing school absenteeism data in Finland. In addition, we present the recent development work initiated to respond to identified challenges in these areas. Current challenges concerning SAPs are: (a) creating shared definitions/categories of problematic school absenteeism, (b) updating and clarifying national guidelines concerning the recording and reporting of absenteeism, (c) creating a shared systematic data collection procedure to collect local and national statistics, and (d) developing the utilisation of evidence-based practices at school and municipal levels.

Recording and Reporting School Attendance and Absence: International Comparative Views on Attendance Statistics in Sweden, Germany, England, and Japan

There is general consensus on the negative consequences of school non-attendance, but from an international comparative perspective, it is surprising how few studies have compared school attendance problems (SAPs) in different societies and education systems. In this article, SAPs are analysed through the lens of official statistics in four countries with different education systems: England, Japan, Germany (represented by two federal states), and Sweden. The purpose of this article is to investigate which data on school attendance and absence are available in four different countries and to facilitate a comparison between school attendance statistics and possibly different conceptualisations of SAPs. The article analyses statistics and official data collected by national school authorities and education agencies. Backgrounds within systems are provided and differences between the countries are analysed. England and Japan provide official data to the public on a regular basis, while Sweden and most federal states in Germany do not. A lower threshold for how much absence is considered problematic is found for Japan, England, and Thuringia (one of the investigated German federal states) compared to Sweden and Berlin (the other German federal state under study). Due to differences in recording and reporting school attendance, it is not possible to compare the quantitative extent of the problem or trends regarding SAPs across the four countries based on the available official school statistics.

The association between home learning during COVID-19 lockdowns and subsequent school attendance among children with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Children with neurodevelopmental conditions have high levels of school absence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools closed for many students. The relationship between home learning during school closures and subsequent school attendance requires attention to better understand the impact of pandemic education policy decisions on this population. This study aims to investigate the association between home learning, hybrid learning and school learning during school closures (in January-March 2021) with subsequent school attendance (in May 2021) in children with neurodevelopmental conditions. An online survey was completed by 809 parents/carers of 5- to 15-year-old autistic children and/or children with intellectual disability. Regression models examined the association of learning location during school closures with subsequent school absence (i.e., total days missed, persistent absence and school refusal). Children who were learning from home during school closures later missed 4.6days of a possible 19. Children in hybrid and school learning missed 2.4 and 1.6 school days, respectively. The rates of school absence and persistent absence were significantly higher in the home learning group even after adjusting for confounders. Learning location was not associated with subsequent school refusal. Policies for school closures and learning from home during public health emergencies may exacerbate school attendance problems in this group of vulnerable children.

What Does School Attendance Mean in Japanese Compulsory Education Schools? Analysing the National Annual Report

School absenteeism in Japan has become a serious psychosocial issue over the past few decades. According to the national survey conducted annually by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology − Japan (MEXT), the number of students with school attendance problems (futoko) in compulsory education schools has been the highest since the government introduced the current data collection format in 1991. All Japanese compulsory education schools collect data on attendance and absence each day. The obtained data in each school are collected by MEXT via local education boards, which are eventually reported as annual national data. However, in recent years, data classification and interpretation of school attendance and absenteeism have become more complicated, which may constitute a limiting factor for appropriate measures for school absenteeism in Japan. The current study showed the situation of school absenteeism in Japanese compulsory education schools using the annual data reported by MEXT, and it examined matters of data classification and interpretation. The author proposed that two main categories of attendance/absence be used, namely: (a) class attendance in mainstream schools, and (b) class nonattendance in mainstream schools.