Understanding Separation Anxiety in Post-Pandemic School Transitions
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the dynamics of family and school interactions. As children return to school, practitioners face the challenge of managing increased separation anxiety among students. The research article "Returning to School: Separation Problems and Anxiety in the Age of Pandemics" provides insights into handling these challenges using a behavioral developmental approach.
Key Insights from the Research
Authors Pelaez and Novak (2020) emphasize that the prolonged lockdown has strengthened family attachments, making the return to school a potential trigger for separation anxiety. The article suggests that understanding the behavioral systems theory can aid practitioners in managing separation protests effectively.
Implementing Research Outcomes
Practitioners can improve their skills by integrating the following strategies derived from the research:
- Plan Ahead: Encourage parents to discuss new routines and rules with their children before returning to school. This preparation can help reduce anxiety.
- Model Calm Behavior: Practitioners and parents should model calmness during separations, reinforcing positive behavior in children.
- Structured Departures: Implement a consistent departure routine that minimizes attention to protests, thereby reducing their frequency over time.
- Collaborate with Teachers: Encourage parents to communicate their strategies with teachers to ensure consistency in managing separation protests.
Encouraging Further Research
While the current research provides valuable insights, there is a need for further studies to explore long-term effects of the pandemic on child behavior and the efficacy of different intervention strategies. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with ongoing research to refine their approaches continually.
Conclusion
By applying the behavioral systems theory and strategies outlined in the research, practitioners can better support children in overcoming separation anxiety as they transition back to school. This proactive approach not only benefits the child but also fosters a positive school environment.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Returning to School: Separation Problems and Anxiety in the Age of Pandemics.
