Paraprofessional treatment of school phobia in a young adolescent girl

Debbie, a 14-year-old girl, was referred one year ago to a rural mental health center by her parents, essentially due to continued refusal to attend school. It was readily apparent that the symptoms were those of a classic case of school phobia, i.e., refusal to attend school, nausea and/or vomiting on school days but not on weekends, the overprotective mother, the distraught family, and other rather predictable concomitants. Following careful professional assessment, the assignment of a paraprofessional was made (a senior elementary education major taking part in a field experience course in psychology), and treatment was begun. The multiple involvement of a school personnel, and the parents for purposes of resolution of the case is discussed, with particular emphasis on paraprofessional effects. Data concerning school attendance, academic marks, school personnel reaction, peer response, and parental attitude before and after is noted. Though the immediate problem of school phobia was resolved, the underlying problems still remained. An up-to-date summary of the case as it stands today is provided. A brief survey of pertinent literature is also included.