Correlates and buffers of school avoidance: a review of school avoidance literature and applying social capital as a potential safeguard

Abstract

School avoidance has increasingly become a major issue among adolescents. Research shows that students who avoid school are significantly more likely to experience numerous problems including school dropout, mental health problems, and, even, suicide. Bullying victimization is known to be one of the leading causes of school avoidance. Previous studies have assessed bullying and school avoidance; however, no study has applied the concept of social capital as a buffer to avoidant tendencies. The current article outlines a review of the significant correlates related to school avoidance, and applies a micro-level version of social capital as a possible safeguard. Specifically, three components of social capital are discussed: participation in activities, closeness to peers, and closeness to adults at school. Also, theoretical and practical implications are discussed to address prevention strategies and future research ideas to combat this issue.

Preventing suicide, promoting resilience: Is this achievable from a global perspective?

“…Bullying at school, school avoidance, being victimized in school, and school drop‐out all predict increased risk of suicide (Sobba, ). Schools need to work with health, social services, and law enforcement in an integrated way to make children feel safer.…”

School refusal and bullying in children with autism spectrum disorder

“…Moreover, school refusal refers to a child's inability to continue school for mental health reasons, such as anxiety and depression [3]. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, individuals who avoid school are more likely to have long-term emotional issues, such as depression and anxiety, poor academic achievement, dropping out of school, and suicide [3,4]. School refusal is also a key risk factor for violence, injury, substance use, psychiatric disorders, and economic deprivation [5].…”

Experiences of Online Bullying and Offline Violence‐Related Behaviors Among a Nationally Representative Sample of US Adolescents, 2011 to 2019

“…While the reasons for school avoidance cannot be assessed with these data, this information would help shed light on the extent to which online bullying drives school avoidance. School avoidance, and the broader range of outcomes described in this study, are important educational issues apart from just health determinants 33 . If the threat of violence hinders academic participation, focus, or safety, academic performance will suffer.…”

“…School avoidance, and the broader range of outcomes described in this study, are important educational issues apart from just health determinants. 33 If the threat of violence hinders academic participation, focus, or safety, academic performance will suffer. School-based professionals should work to reduce this violence not only to improve the health and safety of adolescents, but to ensure educational success.…”