The boarding school syndrome : possible effects of attending primary education boarding schools on later life choices

Abstract

Sending children away to boarding school is seen as prestigious by some and shows social status. However, when children are sent to boarding school at a young age they may experience ‘The Boarding School syndrome’. This may damage attachments formed between their parents or carers and themselves. This study aims to understand the possible effects boarding school may have on young children and how they perceive this experience when they grow up. Qualitative analytical methods were used to explore this. The sample consisted of four male and four female adults enrolled through snowball sampling. These participants attended boarding school between the age of seven and ten years. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to collect the data which was analysed using thematic analysis. The four main themes which emerged were: (i) feelings of abandonment, (ii) trust issues, (iii) the challenge of choosing and (iv) personal development. Findings showed that the children learn how to be autonomous while hiding their true feelings and vulnerability. It is believed by participants that sometimes this can have an effect on relationships and life choices.