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Taxonomic Systems for School Refusal Behaviour

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2014

Melinda Pritchard ,
Neville King ,
Bruce J. Tonge ,
David Heyne  and
Sandra Lancaster
Melinda Pritchard
Affiliation:
Monash University
Neville King
Affiliation:
Monash University
Bruce J. Tonge
Affiliation:
Monash University
David Heyne*
Affiliation:
Monash University
Sandra Lancaster
Affiliation:
La Trobe University
*
Centre for Developmental Psychiatry, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia. E-mail: david.heyne@med.monash.edu.au
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Extract

The heterogeneous nature of school refusal has led to much confusion surrounding the conceptualisation of this phenomenon. A number of researchers have developed taxonomic systems in an effort to enhance our understanding of school refusal and to facilitate communication among professionals working in the field. The current paper explores the evolution of these systems and outlines the limitations of each. Non-empirical classificatory systems are reviewed first, followed by empirical systems based on factor analyses and diagnostic profiles. A functional taxonomic system for problematic school attendance is then reviewed. Future research based on sound methodological procedures should aim to examine a broad range of child and family characteristics in order to develop reliable, homogenous subtypes for this population.

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Type
Research Article
Information
Behaviour Change , Volume 15 , Issue 2 , June 1998 , pp. 74 - 86
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1998

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