Abstract
(Objective) The objective of this study was to document the circumstances of students refusing to go to school and exhibiting learning and/or behavioral problems, and to then design a comprehensive support system based on the data collected. (Methods) A questionnaire developed specifically for this purpose was distributed to all of the elementary and junior-high schools in Fukuoka Prefecture (1148 in total). Of these, 246 schools (23.0%) filled in and returned the questionnaire. (Results) The survey found that, as a percentage of the total students refusing to go to school, 20.2% of students were refusing to go to school and exhibiting learning and/or behavioral problems. Background factors contributing to school-refusal with learning and/or behavioral problems were found to be "poor interpersonal skills", "developmental disorders", and "an unstable home environment". (Conclusion) Specialized support both inside and outside of school is required, suggesting that school social workers (SSW) play a key role.
