Helping reluctant students regain their love of learning

While pursuing her PhD degree at Beijing Normal University, psychologist Zong Min had the opportunity to lead a three-year psychological consultancy program to help students who didn't want to go to school — an issue parents are increasingly struggling with.

The program exposed Zong to many poignant stories told by anxious parents, who felt helpless in the face of their teenage children's reluctance, or refusal, to attend school. Most of the youngsters involved also struggled with mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

As she delved deeper into the phenomenon — which experienced a surge during the pandemic due to learning moving online — Zong realized the situation was worse than she had initially estimated.