This study investigates the level of social competency and presence of behavioral problems associated with young sexually abused children ages 4 to 8, as compared to those among a comparable sample of nonabused young children. Thirty-two parents or guardians, 16 in each group, completed the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist for each child. Characteristics of the abuse were addressed on an additional questionnaire. Data was collected on 12 female and 4 male children in each group. The results indicated that the amount and severity of behavior problems was greater and social competency levels were lower among the sexually abused children than that of the nonabused sample. However, sexually abused children were perceived to exhibit significantly higher levels of each problem than nonabused children with the exception of the problem identified as somatic complaints. Nonsignificant results were found when comparisons were made of the behavior problem level and characteristics of the abuse. These findings are consistent with previous research and further support the existence of problem behaviors among young sexually abused children. Suggestions for future research in this area and the clinical utility of the current findings are discussed.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA, 2004) requires a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment (LRE) with access to the general curriculum. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) emphasizes academic achievement for all students in public schools, and the use of challenging assessments to improve the quality of instruction. Because students with emotional disabilities (ED) are more likely to attend special day schools outside of the public school setting, and less likely to be instructed in general education classrooms (U.S. Department of Education, 2006), the professional responsibilities of teachers within special day schools must be addressed. The researcher examined the professional responsibilities and professional needs of teachers in special day schools, and how their administrators support them. Data were collected through a qualitative design using focus group methodology. Major findings that emerged regarding professional responsibilities were categorized as (a) knowing content, (b) designing instruction, (c) assessing student learning, (d) monitoring student behavior, (e) communicating with parents and agencies, and (f) remaining current through professional practices. Findings regarding the professional needs of teachers included improved professional development practices, and administrative support. Data revealed that teachers believed their administrators support them when they provide performance appraisal and offer opportunities for collegial support and collaboration. The findings suggest that (a) most of these special day school teachers were non-traditionally prepared special educators; (b) these teachers were challenged in achieving and maintaining instructional focus; (c) despite multiple challenges they were highly motivated; and (d) were provided insufficient instructional support. Considering the current national trend regarding the improvement of academic performance for all students, high stakes assessment, and accountability, more attention should be paid to preparing teachers in private day school for academic programs while still addressing the behavioral, social, and emotional needs of students. Joint participation in professional development activities would be beneficial and welcomed by these private day school teachers. / Ed. D.

This study examines selected variables as they relate to the performance of sixth-grade learning disabled (LD) and behaviorally-emotionally handicapped (BEH) students on minimum competency tests administered by the North Carolina public schools. The sample consisted of 313 LD and 79 BEH subjects who attended the 1988 Basic Education Program Summer School in 38 selected school districts. Data were collected describing the independent variables including students’ race, sex, handicapping condition, parent education level, and school and teacher characteristics including instructional time, class size, teacher training, and teacher certification. The dependent variables for the study included language, reading, and mathematics performance scores on the Minimum Skills Diagnostic Tests (MSDT). Data were analyzed by utilizing a multiple regression model to describe the relationships between selected demographic and school variables and language, math, and reading gain scores on the MSDT and by utilizing dependent t tests for differences between the means for pre- and post-test performances. Although gains were made by LD and BEH students on the MSDT, it was concluded that the student and school variables used in the study were not predictive of achievement. / Ed. D.

Children and Adolescents with emotional and behavioral disabilities (EBD) are often involved in aggression, acting out, bullying, violence, substance abuse, and juvenile crime. However, the limited Korean studies have focused primarily on bullying of students with developmental disabilities or intellectual disabilities. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore contributing factors to traditional bullying and cyberbullying in Korean children and adolescents with EBD. The current study surveyed 112 students with EBD between ages of 10 and 15 and their parents (guardians). The results revealed that internalizing problem behaviors including anxious/depression, withdrawal/depression, and somatic problems significantly affected traditional bullying victimization of Korean students with EBD. The peer support was a significant factor affecting cyberbullying victimization. Furthermore, the maternal psychological control was a meaningful factor affecting perpetration at school and in cyber world. Based on the findings, the present study described implications regarding prevention and intervention programs for addressing traditional bullying and cyberbullying victimization and perpetration.

Chan Wai-Lok. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 46-58). / Abstracts in English and Chinese ; questionnaire also in Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / 擇要 --- p.ii / Acknowledgement --- p.iii / Table of Contents --- p.iv / List of Tables --- p.vi / List of Figures --- p.vii / List of Appendices --- p.viii / Chapter Chapter 1: --- Introduction --- p.1 / Parenting Style --- p.1 / Effects of Parenting Style on Misbehavior --- p.3 / Effects of Parenting Style on Academic Performance --- p.4 / Paradox in Chinese --- p.5 / Summary on Parenting Style --- p.9 / Teaching Style --- p.10 / Effects of Teaching Style on Misbehavior --- p.12 / Effects of Teaching Style on Academic Performance --- p.13 / Teaching Style in Chinese --- p.14 / Summary on Teaching Style --- p.15 / Interaction Effects of Parenting and Teaching Styles --- p.15 / Parental Influences and Teacher Influences on Children and Adolescence --- p.17 / Summary --- p.18 / Chapter Chapter 2: --- Method --- p.20 / Participants --- p.20 / Measures --- p.20 / Parenting Style --- p.20 / Teaching Style --- p.21 / School Misbehavior --- p.22 / Academic Performance --- p.22 / Procedures --- p.23 / Chapter Chapter 3: --- Results --- p.24 / Time 1 Analysis --- p.24 / Means & Correlation --- p.24 / Hierarchical Regression Analysis --- p.25 / Across Time Analysis --- p.27 / Correlation --- p.27 / Direct Effect Analysis --- p.28 / Indirect Effect Analysis --- p.30 / Chapter Chapter 4: --- Discussion --- p.34 / References --- p.46

by Mok Yui Ting. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 157-171). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Chapter Chapter 1 --- The Research Problem --- p.10 / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2 --- Background of the Study --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3 --- Research Objectives p --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4 --- Organization of the Thesis --- p.17 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Literature Review --- p.19 / Chapter 2.1 --- Traditional Strain Theories and General Strain Theory --- p.19 / Chapter 2.2 --- Other Important Theories for Explaining Adolescent Deviant Behavior --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Hirschi´ةs Social Bonding Theory (1969) --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Sutherland and Cressey's Differential Association Theory (1978) --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Becker´ةs Labeling Theory (1963) --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3 --- Adolescent Delinquency Studies in Hong Kong --- p.40 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Analytical Framework --- p.47 / Chapter 3.1 --- General Strain Theory --- p.47 / Chapter 3.2 --- Social Bonding Theory --- p.57 / Chapter 3.3 --- Differential Association Theory --- p.64 / Chapter 3.4 --- Labeling Theory --- p.69 / Chapter 3.5 --- The Hypotheses --- p.74 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Methodology --- p.75 / Chapter 4.1 --- Data and Sample --- p.75 / Chapter 4.2 --- Measurements of Variables --- p.81 / Chapter 4.3 --- Method of Data Analysis --- p.107 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Results --- p.109 / Chapter 5.1 --- Bivariate Analysis --- p.109 / Chapter 5.2 --- Multiple Regression Analysis --- p.116 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Multiple Regression of Adolescent Deviant Behavior on Strain Variables --- p.117 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- "Multiple Regression of Adolescent Deviant Behavior on Strain, Social Bonding, Differential Association and Labeling Variables" --- p.119 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Reduced Model --- p.122 / Chapter 5.3 --- Verification of Hypotheses --- p.128 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Summary and Discussion --- p.129 / Chapter 6.1 --- The Study --- p.129 / Chapter 6.2 --- Summary of Findings --- p.131 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Relevance of the Theories on Adolescent Deviant Behavior in Hong Kong --- p.132 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Social Correlates of Adolescent Deviant Behavior in Hong Kong --- p.145 / Chapter 6.3 --- Theoretical Implications --- p.147 / Chapter 6.4 --- Practical Implications --- p.151 / Chapter 6.5 --- Limitations and Suggestions for Future Research --- p.152 / Bibliography --- p.157

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Sciences

Although the profession of occupational therapy had its origins in the treatment of the mentally ill, and was among the pioneers in developing community-based programs to meet the social and emotional needs of children, a study of 28 therapists practicing in the public schools revealed that these occupational therapists did not serve students with behavioral disorders unless they also exhibited a neurological disorder. The results of this study revealed that occupational therapy is not recognized by the educational sector as an essential related service for students with behavioral disorders. Occupational therapy is viewed as a modality much akin to physical therapy in which the focus is on motor skill development.

Education in Saudi Arabia, including the education of children with special needs, is developing rapidly. However, children with emotional and behavioral disorders are neither consistently identified nor adequately served in Saudi Arabia although they are recognized as a distinct category of children who require special education services. The goal of this study was to examine the prevalence of emotional and behavioral disorders among children in Saudi Arabia to assess the need for intervention services to help those children reach their potential. The current research identified the types of behaviors that are most evident in the study sample. Also, the relationship between demographics and emotional and behavioral disorders is studied to identify possible predictors of disruptive forms of behavior. Parents of children aged 4-17 years in Saudi Arabia were surveyed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The findings of the study suggest that children with emotional and behavioral disorders in Saudi Arabia may account for 20% of the population of children between the ages of 4 and 17. The findings also revealed that over 20% of children in Saudi Arabia have difficulties in peer relationship and lack the necessary prosocial behaviors. The parent reporting, child gender, child education type, the geographical region, the father's education level, and the family's socioeconomic status were found to be statistically significant predictors of children's difficulties. However, these predictors were only able to explain a small portion of the difficulty scores.

Theses (MEd)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / Pages 71-74 are missing. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Adolescents are often perceived as moody, rebellious, disinterested in school and inclined to risky behaviours such as premature sex, drug-taking and alcohol abuse. As a result of the 'storm and stress' period that they are associated with, parents appear to lose touch with their adolescents, and fail to maintain the close bonds that they took for granted while their children were young. In attempts to control their adolescents' behaviour, parents seem to drive their teenagers further away from them. The conclusion is reached that adolescents experience parental discipline in a way that either creates a sense of belonging to the family unit, or causes them to become distant and defiant of parental authority. A qualitative approach is used to establish what adolescents experience as positive and what they experience as negative regarding their parents' disciplinary styles. The study is undertaken in a private school in a suburb of Cape Town. The study revealed the following: • A democratic parenting style creates a sense of worthiness in the adolescent. In this atmosphere adolescents feel nurtured and respected and therefore grow into well-balanced young adults. • Parents should take note of their adolescents' emotional experiences and attune their disciplinary approach in order to obtain their children's willing co-operation to be guided towards adulthood by their parents. • Most teenagers do appreciate and respect their parents. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Adolessente word dikwels beskou as buierig, rebels, ongeïnteresseerd in skool en geneig tot riskante gedrag soos voortydige seks, dwelmgebruik en alkoholmisbruik. As gevolg van die 'storm-en-drang' - periode waarmee hulle geassosieerword, verloor ouers dikwels voeling met hul adolessente, en faal hulle daarin om die noue bande wat hulle as vanselfsprekend met hul jonger kinders aanvaar het, met hul tieners te behou. Die slotsom word bereik dat adolessente ouerlike dissipline ervaar op 'n manier wat óf gehegtheid met die gesinseenheid skep, óf verwydering en opstandigheid teenoor ouerlike gesag in die hand werk. 'n Kwalitatiewe benadering is gebruik om vas te stel wat die adolessent as positief en as negatief ervaar ten opsigte van ouers se dissiplineringstyle. Die studie is in 'n privaatskool in 'n voorstad van Kaapstad onderneem. Die studie het die volgende getoon: • 'n Demokratiese ouerskapstyl kweek 'n gevoel van waardigheid by die adolessent. In hierdie omgewing voel die tiener geborge en gerespekteer en as gevolg daarvan ontwikkel hy tot 'n goedgebalanseerde jong volwassene. • Ouers moet kennis neem van hul adolessente se emosionele belewenisse en hul dissiplineringstyle aanpas om hul tieners vrywilliglik tot volwassenheid te lei. • Meeste tieners waardeer en respekteer hulouers.