The invisible chain : anxiety in primary school children

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the level of anxiety amongst primary school children; the type of anxiety manifested and the strategies classroom teachers use to support such children in their classroom. The correlation between anxiety and gender, age, and region/college is further examined. The study has been conducted in two 'C' primary schools in every state college (20 schools), taking two class teachers of the same year group where possible, from Year 1 to Year 6. The sample consists of 186 (21.4% of all state primary school teachers) teachers representing their respective classes. Respondents completed a questionnaire developed for the study. The great majority of teachers reported having 2 to 3 anxious pupils in their classroom. There was no clear significant relationship between anxiety, gender, and region, but the junior years pupils showed a greater degree of anxiety than their early years peers. Common strategies used by teachers to support anxious children included individual attention and a caring relationship with pupils. However, teachers complained about lack of training and preparation in the area.