The relationship between school-phobia feelings and anger among junior high school students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between school-phobia and anger among junior high school students. In a pilot test, 30 items were identified as being related to school phobia, and the School Phobia Feelings Scale was constructed using these items. Results of Study I using this scale indicated that school phobia could be explained by three factors: laziness, inferiority complex, and peer relationships (n=442). Moreover, feelings related to school phobia in girls were unrelated to grade level. In Study 2, an Anger Scale measuring anger in junior high school students in the areas of hostility, excitement, and physiological reactions was developed. The relationship between school phobia and anger was explored using these two scales. The results indicated (1) an increase in school phobia resulted in parents becoming an object of anger, and (2) problems with peer relationships increased levels of reported anger.