Which of the following are common assessment findings in separation anxiety?

• A. Reluctance or refusal to attend school
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Fine motor delays
• D. Enhanced concentration

Answer: (A)

Reluctance or refusal to attend school best reflects separation anxiety because the core issue is fear and distress about being apart from the primary caregiver. For many children, school requires leaving the caregiver, which triggers anxiety, leading to protests, clinging, and protests at drop-off. This pattern directly impacts social and academic functioning, making school avoidance the most common assessment finding.

Other options don’t fit as well because separation anxiety typically does not present with increased appetite or enhanced concentration; in fact, anxiety often reduces appetite and impairs concentration. Fine motor delays are not part of separation distress and relate to developmental or neurological issues rather than attachment-related anxiety.