Date of Submission

2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Jessica Glass Kendorski Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA-D

First Advisor

Virginia Burks Salzer, PhD

Second Advisor

Meredith Weber, PhD, ABPP

Third Advisor

Jaclyn Levy, Psy.D., NCSP

Abstract

School refusal behaviors impact students nationwide, negatively affecting their academic performance and social-emotional well-being. The current study was a two-part study looking at the factors influencing student attitudes toward attendance and then building and reviewing a program based on these findings. During the first part of the two-part study, a secondary data analysis was conducted to analyze the factors influencing student attitudes toward attendance. The secondary data analysis included correlational, regression, and hierarchical regression studies, utilizing responses from 1,056 teenagers attending a suburban high school. Based on the findings, a second study reviewed a program created to address the factors that influenced student attitudes toward attendance. The program was designed to address anxiety, executive functioning issues, and self-confidence, specifically aiding students grappling with school refusal. Once developed, this program was evaluated by expert reviews conducted by education and mental health professionals, resulting in positive feedback supporting using the program with students struggling with school refusal.

Included in

Psychology Commons

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