Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which condition is often associated with school phobia in children?

1. Obesity

2. Anxiety

3. Autism

4. Depression

The correct answer is: Anxiety

School phobia, often referred to as school refusal, is predominantly linked to anxiety disorders in children. Children who experience school phobia typically exhibit significant distress about attending school, often due to feelings of anxiety that may manifest from various sources such as social situations, fear of separation from parents, or academic pressures. This fear can become so overwhelming that it leads to avoidance behavior, where the child refuses to attend school entirely. While other conditions like obesity, autism, and depression may impact a child's experience in school or mental health, they are not as strongly connected to the specific phenomenon of school phobia as anxiety. Children with anxiety often show physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches, further complicating their willingness to attend school. Understanding the role of anxiety in this context helps caregivers and educators provide appropriate support and interventions for affected children.