School Aversion in Children A Preventive and Therapeutic Vision in Light of the Principles of Positive Psychology

School aversion in children represents a complex psychological and educational phenomenon characterized by fear, reluctance, resistance, or refusal to attend school. It may appear through repeated absence, emotional distress before school, somatic complaints, reduced academic motivation, or avoidance of classroom situations. Although school aversion is often associated with anxiety, family difficulties, peer problems, or negative school experiences, it should not be understood only as a behavioral problem. Rather, it reflects a disruption in the child’s relationship with the school environment, learning experiences, and sense of safety, competence, and belonging. This theoretical article proposes a preventive and therapeutic vision of school aversion in light of the principles of positive psychology. Instead of focusing exclusively on symptoms, deficits, and maladaptive behavior, positive psychology emphasizes strengths, resilience, emotional well-being, positive relationships, optimism, meaning, and the development of personal resources. From this perspective, prevention aims to create supportive school climates that enhance children’s psychological security, motivation, and attachment to school. Therapeutic intervention, in turn, seeks to help the child rebuild confidence, regulate emotions, strengthen coping skills, and gradually reconnect with learning and social participation. The article highlights the importance of cooperation between the child, family, teachers, school counselors, and mental health professionals. It argues that addressing school aversion requires an integrated approach that combines emotional support, positive educational practices, family guidance, and individualized therapeutic strategies. A positive psychology-based vision does not deny the seriousness of school aversion; rather, it offers a constructive framework for transforming school from a source of fear into a space of growth, belonging, and psychological flourishing.