学校統廃合における児童の適応支援策の提言

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of school mergers and closures on children through a literature review and field survey and to propose strategies for supporting children's adaptation to the resulting environmental transitions. First, a literature review on school mergers and closures indicated that such experiences could influence children's later interpersonal relationships and increase stress responses. However, research on the impact of school mergers and closures on children remains limited, with insufficient understanding of their psychological effects on children. Next, interviews conducted as part of a field survey revealed that school mergers and closures could be significant sources of stress for children. Based on these findings, we recommends multi-level support measures targeting individuals, classes, grades, and entire schools, primarily through special activities, to help mitigate the impact of these transitions on children.