Correlates and buffers of school avoidance: a review of school avoidance literature and applying social capital as a potential safeguard

ABSTRACT School avoidance has increasingly become a major issue among adolescents. Research shows that students who avoid school are significantly more likely to experience numerous problems including school dropout, mental health problems, and, even, suicide. Bullying victimization is known to be one of the leading causes of school avoidance. Previous studies have assessed bullying and school avoidance; however, no study has applied the concept of social capital as a buffer to avoidant tendencies. The current article outlines a review of the significant correlates related to school avoidance, and applies a micro-level version of social capital as a possible safeguard. Specifically, three components of social capital are discussed: participation in activities, closeness to peers, and closeness to adults at school. Also, theoretical and practical implications are discussed to address prevention strategies and future research ideas to combat this issue