Network Approach Reveals that School Adaptiveness, Not Parenting Style, is the Central Connector to Adolescents’ School Refusal Behavior

School Refusal Behavior (SRB), characterized by a child’s reluctance to attend school or stay in school for a full day, is particularly prevalent during adolescence. Using the network approach, this study examined the roles of family and school factors in adolescents’ SRB. We surveyed 2,218 Chinese adolescents (M_age = 16.36 years, SD = 0.95 years; 40.97% females), who provided reports on SRB, both maternal and paternal parenting styles, and adaptive and maladaptive school outcomes. The results showed a 27.4% rate of SRB. Correlations existed between parenting style, adaptive and maladaptive school outcomes, and adolescent SRB. Network analysis documented that among school and family factors, attitudes toward school and academic adjustment had the highest bridging centrality in connecting to SRB. The findings suggest that future research and intervention efforts may prioritize students’ negative attitudes toward school and academic adaptation as key strategies for reducing SRB in adolescents.