School phobia: classification and treatment.

Ninety-nine cases of school phobia seen at a child guidance clinic over a period of twelve years were divided into acute and chronic groups and investigated in several ways. The results indicate that the children of both groups are more likely to be the eldest or youngest in the family. Acute school phobia is more likely to occur in youngest children with two or fewer siblings, and mothers tend to be older. It is most common in adolescence and seems often to be precipitated by stress. Chronic school phobia is likely to occur in a child from a larger family and with a younger mother. It is more common in social class V and in children of mentally ill parents. Implications for treatment are discussed.