Engagement, Residential Treatment Staff Cognitive and Behavioral Disputations, and Youths’ Problem-Solving

Abstract

In this study, the researchers examined the relationship between residential treatment staff members' use of cognitive and behavioral disputations and problem-solving skills just prior to discharge for 59 youths with emotional and behavioral disorders. The researchers also assessed the direct and indirect effects of engagement in treatment on problem-solving. Measures completed by youths, childcare staff, and clinicians were used in order to comprehensively understand these relationships. The relationship between cognitive and behavioral disputations, as measured by both youth and staff, and problemsolving skills was not significant. Youth and staff reports of engagement in treatment related directly to youth report, but not staff report, of cognitive and behavioral disputations. Youth report of engagement was the only predictor of problem-solving just prior to discharge. Implications for engaging youth in treatment are discussed.

Shifts in Attachment Relationships: A Study of Adolescents in Wilderness Treatment

“…These concerns tend to cast doubt on the viability of wilderness therapy programs. Raftery et al (2010) note these concerns to be ''the most disconcerting controversies with wilderness therapy programs'' (p. 3). Other ethical issues of this kind of treatment include its high costs.…”

“…Other ethical issues of this kind of treatment include its high costs. Many low income families do not have the option of seeking wilderness therapy because of the financial costs involved (Raftery et al 2010).…”

Building a Performance Information System for Statewide Residential Treatment Services

“…Family involvement and client engagement has been also considered as critical factors affecting outcomes in residential treatment setting for children and youth (Cunningham, Duffee, Huang, Steinke, & Naccarato, 2009;Nickerson, Colby, Brooks, Rickert, & Salamone, 2007;Raftery et al, 2010). In particular, family involvement has been found to be one of the best practices that has proven to result in positive outcomes for children and youth in residential settings (Walter & Petr, 2008).…”

“…In terms of client engagement, some researchers developed and tested the measurement and assessed the direct and indirect effect of engagement in treatment on problem-solving skills of children and youth (Cunningham et al, 2009;Raftery et al, 2010). For instance, Cunningham and his colleagues conducted confirmatory factor analysis with data collected from 130 youth in two residential programs in the State of New York.…”

“…Additionally, the Ohio Scales offer multiple perspectives (the consumers', including the child and parent, as well as the clinicians') in measuring outcomes. Raftery et al (2010) notes the importance of using multiple measurement sources in residential treatment setting. For instance, when findings showed different results between youth and staffs' perspectives on outcomes, utilizing a multi-informant approach can provide the most complete information, since it is not clear that one source was more accurate than others.…”