Finding strength : the experience of students who have overcome school refusal

Abstract

This study explores the lived experience of students who experienced School Refusal (SR) in the past, but have managed to re-integrate successfully back to school. This research adopted a qualitative methodology employing an interpretative phenomological approach. Through techniques reflecting Personal Construct Psychology (PCP) and narrative research, five semi-structured interviews were carried out with students in middle and secondary school, who attended both state and non-state schools in Malta. The findings present the journey of students who faced challenges with SR, and how they then coped and found strength to overcome this adverse experience, showing remarkable resilience. Findings indicate the importance of teacher-student relationships, peer relationships, positive classroom management, positive structural school features, positive adaptation, acceptance, inclusion and finding inner-strength as emerging themes. These themes revealed that support received from others and becoming resilient helped the participants re-integrate back to school. Findings were interpreted using PCP and social constructionist perspectives. This research aimed to shed light on what worked for students during re-integration, and to highlight recommendations for professionals that reflect students’ needs and strengths when supporting students return to school.