There is growing evidence for the efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for the treatment of mental disorders in adults, but its efficacy with children has been queried due to the common assertion that children do not possess the cognitive abilities needed to engage in CBT. However, some argue that CBT must be adapted for children within a developmental framework. A study conducted by Doherr (2000) provided positive findings suggesting that children aged 5-8 years do possess cognitive abilities needed for CBT. The results also indicated that children who attended a school with innovative teaching methods demonstrated a greater degree of ability. Doherr (2000) proposed that such teaching methods might enhance children's cognitive abilities. The current research examined whether the findings from Doherr's (2000) study could be replicated in a sample of 75 children (aged 8-10 years) from two Middle Schools. The children were divided into three groups for the purpose of the present study: (1) previously received innovative teaching; (2) previously received conventional teaching and in class with children who have previously received innovative teaching; and (3) previously received conventional teaching and not in class with children who have previously received innovative teaching. Degree of ability was examined using a cognitive behaviour therapy ability (CBTA) measure (Doherr, 2000). The results indicated that those who had received innovative teaching did not maintain theenhanced ability. In addition, no significant difference of ability between ages was found. The findings were discussed with reference to their implications in terms of theoretical, clinical and educational issues. One of the main issues discussed is whether the continuation of the innovative teaching methods would maintain enhanced ability and thus perhaps serve as a protective factor in the development of childhood psychological disorders. Some further research ideas are proposed
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:251587 |
| Date | January 2002 |
| Creators | O'Shea, Norah Anne Christina |
| Publisher | University of East Anglia |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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