Review of cognitive-behavioural approaches for school absenteeism in Japan

ABSTRACT

This study reviewed the literature on psycho-social treatments for reducing school absenteeism in Japan, particularly focussing on those featuring a cognitive-behavioural approach. To extract studies, we screened journals published by 52 academic societies that are members of the Union of the Japanese Psychological Association and reviewed relevant peer-reviewed papers. We consequently analysed 31 cases: 21 elementary school students and 10 junior high school students. We found that to effectively address school absenteeism in Japan, cognitive-behavioural approaches should feature a combination of two or more behavioural techniques. These findings may help Japanese practitioners, such as school counsellors, explain to clients the benefits of choosing cognitive-behavioural approaches, as well as the prospects for support.

KEYWORDS:

• Review
• cognitive-behavioural
• school refusal
• school absenteeism
• Japan

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, TY, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the JSPS Research Fellows [20J15104].

Notes on contributors

Tatsuto Yamada

Tatsuto Yamada is an assistant professor at the Faculty of Psychology, Meiji Gakuin University, and also works as a school counsellor. His interests are areas of cognitive-behavioural therapy and children with mental health concerns.

Aya Sato

Aya Sato is a graduate of the Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, and holds clinical psychologist qualifications in Japan. She is currently working as a school counsellor in Fukushima.

Yugan So

Yugan So is a Ph.D. student at Meisei University. He received a master’s degree from Meisei University and is a qualified clinical psychologist in Japan. Currently, he works as a school counsellor in Kanagawa.

Kana Kobayashi

Kana Kobayashi is a Ph.D. student at Meisei University. She received a master’s degree from Meisei University and is a qualified clinical psychologist in Japan. Currently, she works as a school counsellor in Tokyo.

Yashushi Fujii

Yasushi Fujii is an associate professor at the School of Psychology, Meisei University, and also works as a school counsellor. His interests are areas of cognitive-behavioural therapy and psychosomatic disease.