What’s the Reason for a Child Often Holding in Stool and Pooping in Their Pants?

A seven-year-old boy has been consistently having trouble with stool in his pants every day for over a year. Despite medical visits and exams including rectal exams and ultrasounds, no abnormalities have been found. The child frequently complains of stomach pain and has vomited a few times at school due to holding in stool. Sometimes it seems he is in a hurry, but he always says he isn’t until he can’t hold it anymore and loses control. Parents have tried various methods, including spanking and calm communication, but none have solved the problem. Parents wonder if this is a physical or psychological issue?
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