As high school students approach their final year, they may experience a phenomenon known as "Senioritis". As described by educators, Senioritis is a decrease in motivation and productivity, often accompanied by procrastination, complacency, and negative risk-taking behaviours. While not a medical term, Senioritis is a widely recognized term used to describe a common set of observed behaviours. As Jessica Lahey notes, "Senioritis is a real phenomenon. It can be defined as a decline in motivation or performance that occurs among students in their final year of school, often due to a combination of burnout, boredom, and the belief that academic achievement no longer matters." Jackie Rhodes further adds, "Senioritis is a genuine phenomenon and a concern among educators." In this article, we explore how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help students combat Senioritis and offer ten CBT strategies to stay motivated during their final year of high school.
In CBT, we focus on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that may be contributing to Senioritis. Some common negative beliefs that can affect motivation include "I've had enough" "It doesn't matter anyway," "I'm too tired to do this," "I can't handle the pressure," and "It's too late to make a difference." We can work on replacing these negative beliefs with more positive and realistic ones, such as "I need to keep up with my studies so I exit Grade 12 with the best marks possible, "I can take small steps to make progress," "I can handle challenges with support," and "It's never too late to make a change."
Here are ten CBT strategies that we can use to combat Senioritis:
- Identify negative thought patterns and challenge them with evidence and alternative perspectives.
- Set realistic and achievable goals for the remaining year of high school.
- Practice self-care and stress management techniques, such as exercise, muscle relaxation, and deep breathing.
- Use positive affirmations to boost self-esteem and confidence.
- Create a schedule and prioritize tasks to increase productivity.
- Use visualization techniques to imagine future success and goals achieved.
- Seek out support from friends, family, or a counsellor.
- Use positive self-talk to encourage and motivate oneself.
- Practice gratitude by focusing on positive aspects of life and school.
- Break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
To help reframe negative situations into positive ones, we can use the following example situations:
Situation: "I didn't do well on a test, what’s the point."
Reframe: "I can learn from my mistakes and work to improve my performance in the future."
Situation: "I don't feel like doing homework tonight."
Reframe: "Even if I don't feel motivated right now, I know that completing this assignment can help me achieve my goals."
Situation: "I don't have any options and plans yet."
Reframe: "I can make time to explore my options and make a decision that is right for me."
Situation: "I don't feel like studying for my test."
Reframe: "Even if it's hard work, studying will help me succeed and achieve my goals."
Situation: "I'm feeling overwhelmed and stressed."
Reframe: "I can use self-care techniques and reach out for support to manage my stress and overcome challenges."
Some common signs of Senioritis include a decline in academic performance, lack of interest in schoolwork, poor attendance, and decreased motivation to pursue extracurricular activities. If left unaddressed, Senioritis can impact on a student's academic and career future and prospects.
Fortunately, there are several things that students can do to combat Senioritis and stay motivated during their final year of high school. These include setting achievable goals, practicing good time management skills, seeking support from teachers or a school counselor, staying physically active, and maintaining a positive mindset. Additionally, students should focus on making the most of their final year of high school and enjoy the various opportunities that come with it, such as senior activities and events.
By being aware of the signs of Senioritis and using the right strategies, students can overcome this common phenomenon and finish their high school careers on a high note. As a school counselor, I encourage students to stay focused, set realistic goals, and seek support when needed. With hard work and dedication, students can achieve their academic goals and set themselves up for future success.
Senioritis can have a significant impact on a student's motivation and productivity during their final year of high school. However, by identifying negative thought patterns and replacing them with positive ones, setting realistic goals, practicing self-care, seeking support, and reframing negative situations into positive ones, students can stay motivated and overcome Senioritis. As a school counselor, I am here to offer support and guidance to students who may be struggling with Senioritis. Don't hesitate to reach out for help, whether it be through counselling sessions or other resources available to you. Remember, with the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome Senioritis and achieve your academic goals.
Bibliography:
Lahey, J. (2014, May 16). Senioritis: A Tough-to-Shake Affliction. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/05/senioritis-a-tough-to-shake-affliction/371552/
Rhodes, J. (2017, May 1). Senioritis: How to Spot It and What to Do About It. U.S. News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/articles/2017-05-01/senioritis-how-to-spot-it-and-what-to-do-about-it
Lyle Gothmann
School Counsellor
Telephone: (07) 46872 627
Email: L.Gothmann@twgs.qld.edu.au
Latest Blog
Tik Tok - From Fun to Fear
Social media platforms have ingrained themselves into our daily lives in a time when technology is constantly evolving and drawing millions of users with seductive features and never-ending streams of captivating content. Among these, TikTok has become a worldwide phenomenon, captivating users with its viral challenges and short-form films. Underneath the fun and inventiveness however, there is growing concern about the risks connected to TikTok and other social media platforms. TikTok's…
Active Procrastination – Unlocking the Gates of Time
“Procrastination is like a credit card: it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill.” - Christopher Parker – professional actor. Unfortunately, procrastination is a term that we are all familiar with as students; the vast majority of us have experienced it firsthand. It saps our time and results like a parasite, a burden on its host. However, despite it’s reputation, recent studies have shown that when harnessed correctly, procrastination can be a powerful tool to improve both academic efficiency…
It Takes a Village...
The Toowoomba Grammar School Boarding community plays a pivotal role in shaping the young minds of our boarders and instilling values whilst creating a sense of mateship that can last a lifetime. The nurturing and supportive network of staff not only ensure a safe and structured environment but also cultivates a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the boys. ‘The staff supply the fuel to the ship but ultimately it is the boys who steer it and decide upon its final destination’. Our TGS…
Unlocking Literacy - The Big Six Elements for Your Child’s Reading Success
Literacy skills are a core component of each day for our students, and parents often ask how they can support this from home. I am delighted to share with our parent community the essential components that underpin successful reading development. These elements, known as the Big Six, provide a solid foundation for your son’s literacy journey. These critical building blocks include: Oral Language: Communication skills are the bedrock of reading. Encourage rich conversations with your child.…
The Journey of a Boarding Mother
When you look up mother in the dictionary it reads: female parent of a child. When you look up boarder, it simply reads: a child who lives away from home. So, put “boarder mother” together and we have: the female parent of a child who lives away from home – if only it were that simple. My definition of boarding mother is: a strong, dedicated unbelievably great female parent of a child who has the wisdom to put her son’s educational needs, wellbeing and lifelong endeavours before her own. A…
The Importance of Differentiation
As parents, we all want our children to have the best possible education, and one of the most effective ways for teachers to provide this is through differentiation. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs and interests of each student, and it can take many forms. First, let's define differentiation. Differentiation is a teaching approach that recognises that students have different strengths, interests, and learning styles. By adjusting instruction to meet these…
Addressing Anger in Teenage Boys
As a community dedicated to the growth and well-being of our teenage boys, it is essential to address the complexities of emotions we experience during adolescence. Among these emotions, anger stands out as a powerful and intense feeling that can influence their behaviour, relationships and overall wellbeing. Untreated anger can lead to a myriad of problems and challenges for our young boys. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the dangers of untreated anger, ways to support healthy…
Study Skills Program
Just as teachers benefit from an understanding of the Learning Sciences in their lesson planning and preparation, so to do students when they are studying for major summative assessments. A survey of TGS students in Years 9 to 12 found that 70% of our boys felt that they knew how to study, with the biggest impediments to study being lack of motivation and too many distractions. The most highly preferred study technique was found to be rewriting notes. Cramming, rereading the text and rewriting…
Developing Teachers Worldwide
I recently had the pleasure of attending the 2023 International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Annual Conference at Westlake Boys High School in Auckland, New Zealand, in my capacity as a Team Leader in the IBSC Action Research Program. Action research is a systematic inquiry conducted by teachers in their own classroom to better understand the impact that an aspect of their practice is having on their students. Each year, 40 teachers from IBSC member schools from around the world are accepted…
