A cluster analysis of school refusal behavior: Identification of profiles and risk for school anxiety

The aim of this study was to identify the different school refusal behavior profiles and to determine whether these profiles differ from one another based on four situational factors, three response systems and the total score on school anxiety. 1113 Spanish students (52.29% boys) aged 8-12 years (M = 9.53; SD = 1.10) were recruited. The School Refusal Assessment Scale-Revised and the School Anxiety Inventory for Children were administered. Non-School Refusers, School Refusers by Positive Reinforcement, School Refusers by Negative Reinforcement and School Refusers by Mixed Reinforcement were identified. The Mixed Reinforcement group was the most maladaptive profile in terms of school anxiety as compared to the non-school refusers and positive reinforcement groups. Practical implications of the research are discussed.