Arab Educational Information Network

The present study examines the relationship between school failure and, depressive and anxiety disorders during childhood and adolescence. With a sample of 187 participants aged between 10 and 15 years, we tested the correlation between school failure and trait anxiety, state anxiety, depression and gender. For this purpose, we used the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), The PROMIS Anxiety scale (AS), The Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), and The PROMIS Depression scale (DS). The present study revealed high levels of anxiety (State - Trait) and depression in children and adolescents who experience school failure. Gender differences were significant where females showed higher levels than males on all tests. Nevertheless, no significant age differences were obtained. Thus, the results of this study highlight a relationship between school failure and psychological disorders, especially depression and anxiety. We suggest that children and adolescents’ school maladjustment should be considered as a mental health issue. (Published Abstract)