Refusal
Have You Known a Student Who Really Wanted to go to School but Just Couldn’t? Ever Wondered Why?
When we focus on behaviour and trying to coerce the student to attend school, or on trying to correct what we perceive as faulty thinking, or we try to push them through distress without first identifying stressors and barriers and seeking to reduce them, we set students up for failure and risk worsened mental health because the source of their stress is not resolved. Whilst teaching relaxation and anxiety management skills to a student with mild or temporary stress may be effective, those experiencing chronic stress, benefit from assistance that targets the source of their stress.
Tiffany Westphal, Social Worker