In recent years, there have been calls for an increase in our understanding of the mental health needs of young people who have been excluded from school and therefore attend Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) (Centre for Social Justice, 2011; Mental Health Foundation, 2002; National Children’s Bureau, 2011). Evidence suggests that disruptive behaviour (DB) and depressive symptoms (DS) are closely linked. Previous research suggests that DB is a risk factor for DS, and vice-versa. Due to the likelihood of high levels of DB in young people excluded from school, the aim of this thesis was to examine the relationship between DB and DS in a PRU sample. Results showed a significant correlation between DB and DS; this was stronger than the correlation between DB and anxiety. Furthermore, the presence of negative self-concept increased the influence of DB on DS and of DS on DB. It seems that there is a mutual relationship between DS and DB, in part explained by the presence of a negative self-concept. Surprisingly, no association was established between DB, DS and academic attainment. The findings have implications for research and professional practice. Efforts should be made to increase awareness of affective difficulties, such as DS, in disruptive pupils.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:583100 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Birchwood, James Francis |
| Publisher | University of Birmingham |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/4507/ |
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