A cojoint, operant model for assisting profoundly behaviorally disordered adolescents

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Behavioral Health Interventions

Background:

• Profoundly behaviorally disordered adolescents often require specialized interventions.
• Integrated community programs can address complex needs of youth.
• Existing educational and mental health services may lack coordinated approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a cojointly administered community treatment program for behaviorally disordered adolescents.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a model classroom intervention.
• To facilitate the adoption of personal and academic skills in this population.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a model classroom co-administered by a school district, university, and mental health center.
• Differentiated roles for a full-time teacher and psychologist focusing on operant behavior reinforcement.
• Assessment of adolescent adjustment using behavior rating scales, projective testing, parent checklists, and interviews.

Main Results:

• The cojoint operant model demonstrated success in facilitating overall adjustment for eight adolescents within one academic year.
• Positive changes were evidenced across multiple assessment measures.
• The program effectively supported the development of personal and academic skills.

Conclusions:

• The described cojoint operant model is effective for treating profoundly behaviorally disordered adolescents.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for successful community-based interventions.
• Recommendations are proposed for future programs serving emotionally disturbed youth.