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School experience of adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 February 2016

Evelyn Lyn Spratt  and
Daphne Hewson
Evelyn Lyn Spratt
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Macquarie University
Daphne Hewson
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Macquarie University
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Extract

The purpose of this study was to document the school experience of adolescents (n = 20) with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and to identify ways in which they could be better assisted to cope with school. Only half the schools assisted students via organisational changes or individual programs. Parents and school liaison people were seen to be the most helpful and Principals and School Counsellors the least helpful. Impaired memory and concentration negatively affected school experience to a large degree. The results indicated five major needs for schools to address: (1) emotional support and validation, (2) development of individual educational programs to reduce work pressure, (3) administrative flexibility, (4) active maintenance of social involvement with peer group and extracurricular activities, and (5) practical help. These can be facilitated by the appointment of a ‘school liaison person’ to individually assist a student with CFS.

Type
Research Papers
Information
Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools , Volume 6 , Issue 1 , November 1996 , pp. 73 - 86
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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