TAXONOMIC SYSTEMS FOR SCHOOL REFUSAL BEHAVIOR

The heterogeneous nature of school refusal has led to much confusion s urrounding the conceptualisation of this phenomenon. A number of resea rchers have developed taxonomic systems in an effort to enhance our un derstanding of school refusal and to facilitate communication among pr ofessionals working in the field. The current paper explores the evolu tion of these systems and outlines the limitations of each. Non-empiri cal classificatory systems are reviewed first, followed by empirical s ystems based on factor analyses and diagnostic profiles. A functional taxonomic system for problematic school attendance is then reviewed. F uture research based on sound methodological procedures should aim to examine a broad range of child and family characteristics in order to develop reliable, homogenous subtypes for this population.