Education Commons^™

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder : Developments In The Last Decade Concerning Causes And Treatments, Phyllis Damgaard

Graduate Research Papers

The last ten years have brought major advances in the fields of medicine and technology, advances that have illuminated many of the dark comers of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This article seeks to pull together those illuminating advances, condensing the voluminous information available into comprehensive, but readable, pages. The causes of the disorder are discussed from both the scientific and psychological/social perspectives. The controversy resulting from medicating so many, so young is an integral part of this country's interest in ADHD, due largely to coverage by the popular media.

Research concerning successful treatment strategies is also discussed. Medication, behavior …

Secret Pain : Understanding And Treating Self-Injurious Behaviors In Women, Eva Schoen

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is an attempt to raise awareness of the presence of self-injury in Western societies. Causes, symptoms, related diagnoses, and treatment of self-injurious behaviors will be discussed. Most importantly, however, this paper is meant to challenge and, ultimately, decrease the stigma surrounding SD and increase empathy and compassion for the self-injuring person.

Due to constraints of this research paper, the author focuses on female self-injurers and excludes information on self-injury in mentally retarded individuals and prisoners.

Bullying In Schools : Students' Perspectives, Amy L. Schiltz

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate where and how often in the school bullying occurred, whether bullying consisted of physical and/or verbal characteristics, and whether incidents of bullying would decrease following an intervention consisting of 8 classroom guidance lessons. These lessons were taught to 35 sixth grade students over a period of 16 weeks. Overall, bullying incidents decreased for both males and females, most bullying incidents took place on the playground, and students reported school officials did a good job in preventing bullying and creating a safe environment for learning.

Anger Management For Adolescents In The School Setting, Meri A. Edel

Graduate Research Papers

The first purpose of this research paper will be to discuss what might be some of the origins of adolescent anger, as well as what specifically might provoke it. The discussion will center on such topics as family systems and how they react to anger displays, as well as social contexts in relation to anger. Second, this paper will include descriptions of several anger management programs which could be used in a school setting with adolescents. Specifically, it will include an overview of some of the most widely used programs, such as Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, small group counseling, active …

The Developmental Implications Of Parental Loss During Adolescence, Dacni C. Jones

Graduate Research Papers

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature that relates to the death of a parent and how this experience influences an adolescent. This review will answer the question of how adolescent cognitive, emotional, and social development is affected when a parent dies. After a brief definition of the words "adolescence" and "loss," the focus of this paper will be on the areas of cognitive, emotional, and social development and the effects of grief on development after a parent dies. This information can help mental health professionals and school counselors understand the impact of living through the experience of …

Ethical Issues In Experiential Counselor Training Groups, Lisa Kramer Kukral

Graduate Research Papers

Of the ethical issues addressed in the professional literature regarding group counselor training, those most frequently addressed are confidentiality and dual relationships, and informed consent and involuntary participation. The purpose of this paper is to explore how these ethical guidelines apply to the personal growth/training groups utilized in counseling master's and doctoral programs and the ethical dilemmas that arise because of them. This paper will also explore suggestions that have been made to address these ethical dilemmas.

The Use Of Art Therapy In Counseling Children, Laura Longo

Graduate Research Papers

Art is being used more and more by counselors working with children, particularly within the school setting because it allows for children to communicate nonverbally in a timely manner. "Art therapy in a school setting can offer children the opportunity to work through obstacles that are impeding their educational progress. It can facilitate appropriate social behaviors and promote healthy affective development" (Bush, 1997, p. 16).

The purpose of this paper is to explore how art is used in counseling children and examine specific techniques. Also, the author will focus on the stages of artistic development of children, the use of …

Cognitive-Behavior Therapy With Children, Debra L. Irvin

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will look at the use of cognitive-behavior therapy with children. Specifically, it will focus on the areas of depression and anxiety. First, there will be a look at applying cognitive-behavior therapy to children. This includes strategies for working with children, and developmental considerations with children. Next, there will be a focus on using cognitive-behavior therapy for children with depression. This section includes an examination of depression in children, and three cognitive-behavioral treatment strategies. The strategies to be discussed include affective education, cognitive restructuring, and social skills training. Finally, there will be an exploration of the use of cognitive-behavior …

Bibliotherapy : Background, Application And Research, Carla Marie Eich

Graduate Research Papers

This paper examines bibliotherapy in several aspects. Bibliotherapy is using books to help with client's problems or for developmental adjustment and growth. Bibliotherapy has a long history, dating back to early man. However, it was not until this century that scholars began studying it further. In 1949, the process of bibliotherapy was developed which is discussed in this paper. Research support for bibliotherapy has been mixed and speculation as to why is also discussed. There are many limitations of bibliotherapy which are important to consider if a therapist is interested in bibliotherapy. This paper allows the critics of bibliotherapy to …

Characteristics And Treatment Of Conduct Disorders, Vicky Jo Kukral

Graduate Research Papers

Conduct Disorder is the most diagnosed condition in both outpatient and inpatient mental health facilities for children in the United States. Behavior problems such as aggression, destruction of property, theft and violation of basic rules are concerns for parents, teachers, peers and other adults. In an effort to help increase the reader's understanding of the Conduct Disorder population and their treatment, the author of this paper will describe and characteristics of this population. The author will also address specific mental health concerns as found in a review of the literature, and the status of mental health treatment.

Solution-Focused Approach To Therapy : An Overview Of The Literature, Gail L. Garwood

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the Solution-Focused Therapy philosophy, including some of its basic assumptions and their application in therapy. In doing so, the history of the development of Solution-Focused Therapy will be examined. Covered in this review is a summary of some of the elements borrowed from Social Constructionism and traditional therapies. The underlying assumptions of Solution-Focused Therapy to be examined include its focus on strengths, its particular view of reality (especially in regard to how expectations and the use of language affect outcome), and understanding change.

The therapist's conceptualization of the client …

The Counselor's Role In The Peer Sexual Harassment Issue : Educating And Empowering Students Concerning Roles And Rights, Ann Marie Lentz

Graduate Research Papers

Peer sexual harassment creates and maintains a hostile classroom environment. Schools must offer an inclusive scope of alternative decisions for all students. Students are entitled to support from teachers and school counselors whenever they believe they have experienced such harassment. Student victims need to be advised by encouraging adults in the school system in order to reestablish themselves as active learners.

When adults facilitate student learning regarding the issue of sexual harassment, a safe environment replaces the hostile environment created by sexual bullying. When counselors, teachers, parents, and administrators send a message of support, underlining that sexual harassment is illegal …

Adolescent Depression : A School Perspective, Kayann Lilja

Graduate Research Papers

The path from adolescence to adulthood is ever-changing and often extremely challenging. There is growing consensus that today it is an even more difficult journey than ever before. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize current knowledge regarding adolescent depression and its relationship to normal adolescent development. In addition, the origin, nature and characteristics of adolescent depression will be discussed. The paper will conclude with suggested interventions for educators to address the issue of adolescent depression in a preventative as well as treatment manner.

Adolescent Suicide : A Review Of Contributing Risk Factors And Issues Of Assessment, Joe S. Rich

Graduate Research Papers

Over the past decade, there has been an alarming increase in the rate of suicide among the adolescent population. It has been reported that among the 15 to 24- year-old population, the incidence of suicide has increased 200 percent since 1960. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death among adolescents and adults, ages 15 to 24- year-olds.

The purposes of this literature review are to (1) examine and identify factors that contribute to suicidal ideation in adolescents, (2) evaluate the adequacy of assessment measures of suicidal behavior including self-report, projective, and interviewing techniques, and (3) evaluate the general …

Rebuilding Little Lives : Using Play Therapy With Traumatized Children, Denise E. Maas

Graduate Research Papers

In this paper, the author will attempt to assist therapists with their work with traumatized children using play therapy. The discussion includes signs and symptoms that a traumatized child may exhibit. In addition, the paper will contain selected therapeutic powers of play and how they can aid in the treatment of traumatized children. The case examples provided throughout this paper are actual experiences taken from the author's clinical practice in a hospice setting.

Women, Mentoring, And The Degree : Tiptoeing Through The Academic Tulips, Linda Marie Schneider

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine issues related to mentoring women in higher education. Specifically, this paper will address issues concerning the chilly climate women face on campus, issues that focus on gender stereotypes for women in higher education, and issues which prohibit successful mentoring between women. students and.administrators. Finally, recommendations for student service administrators to· enhance mentoring relationships are suggested.

Applications Of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy In The School Setting, Joanne M. Nelson

Graduate Research Papers

As a result of the many demands, as well as lack of time, school counselors need to work with an effective short-term theory. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) fits this description because the general goal of REBT is to attain positive mental health within the least amount of time and with minimal expenditure.

Because of its efficiency, and its applicability to individual, small group, classroom, and adults, school counselors should consider using REBT in the school setting. The preventative and self-help focus of REBT, and the teaching materials developed around this theory fit well into the school setting. By applying …

Using The Arts To Decrease The Educational Failure Of At-Risk Students, Agnes L. Scott

Graduate Research Papers

The number of at-risk students who are destined for educational failure, quitting school before graduation or by not learning while attending school, is increasing at an unprecedented rate (Office of Educational Research and Improvement, 1992). If America does not sufficiently educate its increasing numbers of at-risk students, the nation's social and economic status may suffer due to a deteriorated educational system. These national concerns provide an opportunity to address appropriate educational interventions to help at-risk students. This paper will review the literature which suggests using the arts to decrease the educational failure of at-risk students.

Combining Adventure Therapy And Reality Therapy As A Treatment Approach With Adolescents, Shawn C. Becker

Graduate Research Papers

Adolescence is often considered a time filled with emotional conflict and stress. That stress often gives rise to psychological and behavioral problems for a large number of adolescents (Zigler & Stevenson, 1993). Teens experience poor self-concepts, decreases in self-esteem, depression, and a general inability to cope with the stress experienced during this time period. It is reported that many youth also lack support and guidance from their peers, families, and schools which would normally provide security in the development of successful personal identities (Clagett, 1992).

Current therapeutic approaches need to address these adolescent issues and needs in order to help …

Rationale For Using Group Therapy With Couples Affected By Domestic Violence, Joyce C. Fehr

Graduate Research Papers

This paper defines battering and batterers, highlights some of the treatment interventions already in place for batterers, and provides a rationale for using couples group therapy for those people who choose to remain in a relationship after there has been at least one incidence of domestic violence resulting in the arrest of one of the partners. The paper describes what this type of group format might look like, and takes a look at the criticisms of couples group therapy and the cautions associated with such a group. Finally, this paper summarizes the future direction of domestic violence treatment.

Helping Adolescents Deal With Loss, Benita J. Mertens

Graduate Research Papers

Adolescents can learn to cope with loss and grief through group counseling, individual counseling, family counseling, or talking with friends and family members. Because all people do not grieve in the same manner, is one of these methods of grieving suitable for all, or is one healthier than another? What feelings are common to adolescents working through loss issues? What are the age-specific variables related to loss? What types of interventions are most effective when dealing with adolescents who are mourning? All of these questions must be answered in order to learn more about how adolescents work through loss and …

Understanding And Treating Selective Mutism In Children : A Guide For Counselors, Chelsea R. Carter

Graduate Research Papers

Selective mutism is a clinical disorder in which a child remains silent in chosen situations despite the ability for speech. Though there are cases of selective mutism in adults, the major population in which this disorder is diagnosed is in children. This paper will focus on these children who meet the criteria for a diagnosis of selective mutism.

There are three major theoretical schools of thought regarding selective mutism. The first deals with hostility and control; the second, anxiety and social phobia; and the third, family communication in regard to the onset and maintenance of this disorder. This paper explores …

Children Of Divorce : Implication To Teaching, Gloria Mao

Graduate Research Papers

The primary focus of this paper is the causes of divorce and their effects on elementary-age children. The adjustment problems of children of divorce in classrooms are examined. The importance of teachers' roles in easing the transition to school for children of divorce is emphasized. Teachers are assumed to be in a better position to observe the changes of children of divorce and to help them to adjust to their parents' divorce. By being sensitive and supportive, teachers can make a difference in their students' lives. A 7-hour workshop designed to enhance teachers' understanding about children of divorce is described.