Ngozika L. Nwobi, Blessing U. Mokwelu, Lucky O. Ogben, Kizito A. Agha & Uche C. Chinwuko
Abstract
The study was conducted to determine the risk factors, consequences and counselling strategies in curbing school refusal behaviour among secondary schools in Anambra state. The study adopted a survey research design. The whole population of 120 counsellors served as sample size. Questionnaire titled “Risk Factors, Consequences and Counselling Strategies in Curbing School Refusal Behaviour Questionnaire” was used in collecting data. The questionnaire is made up of 31 items and a reliability index of 0.73 was found. On the spot administration was used in administration of the instrument. Three research questions guided the study. The data collected were analyzed using weighted mean. The findings indicated that anxiety and depression, dysfunctional family, among others are the risk factors of school refusal behaviour. Consequences include reduction of learning motivation, reduction of academic achievement, among others; while counselling strategies include cognitive behaviour therapy, contingency management, counselling, among others. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Guidance counsellors should be posted to schools to take care of school refusal behaviour at early stage before it escalates. School and home should ensure safety to enable students to trust their environment, become calm, adjust and attend school.