Social, Emotional And Behavioural Difficulties Research Articles

Blame, guilt and the need for ‘labels’; insights from parents of children with special educational needs and educational practitioners

Previous research on home–school relationships and blame has concentrated on the experiences of parents with children with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD). This has led to the voices of educational practitioners, as well as parents of children with other special educational needs, being neglected. This article, by Karen Broomhead of Lancaster University, details part of a larger study examining socio‐emotional aspects of home–school relationships between parents of children with special educational needs and educational practitioners. The study reported in this article explored perceptions of blame via semi‐structured interviews with 15 educational professionals and 22 parents of children with various special educational needs. The findings reveal that parental experiences of blame and guilt were influenced by the nature of their children's special educational needs, which consequently influenced parental focus on obtaining ‘labels’ of special educational needs for their children. The implications of these findings for educational practitioners are discussed.

Preferential treatment or unwanted in mainstream schools? The perceptions of parents and teachers with regards to pupils with special educational needs and challenging behaviour

This study explored the perceptions of parents and teachers regarding the differential treatment or stigma experienced by pupils with challenging behaviour – more specifically, those with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD), as well as children with visible special educational needs (Down's syndrome and/or profound and multiple learning difficulties) who frequently displayed challenging behaviour as a characteristic of their SEN. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with ten parents of children with challenging behaviour, together with 15 educational practitioners employed in mainstream and BESD schools. Findings revealed how several parents, and staff employed in BESD schools, viewed pupils with challenging behaviour as ‘unwanted’ in mainstream schools. The remaining parents, as well as mainstream practitioners, reported the opposite and indicated that these pupils received treatment deemed to be ‘preferential’ in the mainstream. This has direct implications for those concerned with supporting pupils with challenging behaviour in mainstream settings.

Can developmental cognitive neuroscience inform intervention for social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD)?

An initial evaluation of the utility of designing an intervention to address neuroscience-based subtyping of children who have conduct problems was undertaken in this pilot study. Drawing on the literature on callous–unemotional traits, a novel intervention programme, ‘Let's Get Smart’, was implemented in a school for children with social emotional and behavioural difficulties. A mixed-methods design was used to investigate the perspectives of staff participant-observers in the change process, alongside standardised scores on measures of pupil performance and behaviour. Both qualitative and quantitative results showed reductions in externalising behaviour and improvements in measures of hypothesised underlying cognitive and affective processes. While externalising behaviour improved across subtypes, associated changes in underlying processes differed by subtype, supporting the potential value of neuroscience-informed contributions to intervention planning.

Dropping out of school as a meaningful action for adolescents with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties

This study examines and discusses dropping out of school related to adolescents with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD). It is based on in-depth interviews of 10 adolescents between the ages of 16 and 20, three girls and two boys with internalised problems, and two girls and three boys with extroverted behavioural problems. Given this group of students' challenges at school, the aim of this paper is to explore the narratives of this adolescent group as they relate to the significance they attach to their dropout behaviour. An additional objective is to draw attention to what these findings are likely to mean for implementing preventive practices in school. Results show that adolescents with SEBD perceive a non-supportive classroom environment to be a primary explanation for why they are dropping out from school. Additionally, lack of support from teachers and parents and family problems are, according to the adolescents, an important reason for dropping out. Findings are discussed in relation to future implications for this group of adolescents in the context of school.

Best Practice Models and Outcomes in the Education of Children with Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties

The range of empirically based evidence on interventions for meeting the needs of students with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD) in mainstream schools is rich and varied. This paper is based on an international literature search and review of studies that were published between 1980 and 2012. Particular attention is given to evidence that define the qualities and skills of effective teachers and the value of behavioural and cognitive behavioural interventions.

How my involvement with an inclusive, educational, gifted and talented programme has influenced my work with students who have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties

This is a response as to how my involvement with the Gifted and Talented Programme initiated by Bath and North East Somerset made me reassess my living educational values and beliefs, thus influencing my delivery and provision for the students with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties with whom I work. As I consider the issues implicit within this statement I am aware that many will be bewildered by any connection between gifted and talented students and students with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD). I, too, find it hard to think in terms of highly motivated able, gifted and talented students when I look around the SEBD provision within which I spend on average 10 hours five days a week! However, ‘Higher Standards, Better Schools for all’ (White Paper, 2005) clearly sets out the government’s ambition for every student – they should have the right personalised support to reach the limits of their capabilities – and later states, ‘We will legislate to prescribe curriculum entitlements for learners aged 14–19.’ My methodology for this enquiry is a narrative style of methodology (Clandinin, 2007) I feel strongly that in shaping and telling my story I am continuing to understand and learn from my own educational journey as well as clarifying it to readers. Constructing the story turns tension into attention, and telling the recognised narrative expresses intention. ( Maree, 2007 : 2)

Teacher attitudes and behavior toward the inclusion of children with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties in mainstream schools: An application of the theory of planned behavior

The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used to examine relationships between teacher attitudes and behavior toward children with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties (SEBD). One hundred and eleven elementary school teachers completed questionnaires. Teacher perception of their school principals' expectations (subjective norm) predicted teacher behaviors. Teachers who had attended more in-service training (INSET) sessions held more positive feelings, but teachers with more experience were less willing to work with children with SEBD. Findings suggest that school principals have a central role in promoting an inclusive ethos within their schools. INSET could focus more on challenging beliefs.

‘Do we make ourselves clear?’ Developing a social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD) support service's effectiveness in detecting and supporting children experiencing speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCD)

Research has identified a significant relationship between social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD) and speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCD). However, little has been published regarding the levels of knowledge and skill that practitioners working with pupils experiencing SEBD have in this important area, nor how they might more effectively detect and support SLCD in the children and young people with whom they work. This paper outlines a small-scale project intended to evaluate said knowledge and skills within an SEBD support team in central England, and to increase this team's effectiveness in detecting and supporting children experiencing SLCD.

The nurture teacher: characteristics, challenges and training

The nurture approach is a form of educational intervention for children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD). Utilising a unique example of a state‐run, special ‘nurturing’ primary school, Corinne Syrnyk, of St Mary's University College, Calgary, presents a case study of the experience of being a ‘nurture teacher’ in this distinctive environment. Findings suggest that nurture teachers value their role and are fulfilled by the challenge it presents. Nurture teachers tended to define their role according to personal qualities and described experiential learning as tantamount to the training process. This study illustrates the holistic approach adopted by nurture teachers and sheds light on the distinguishing features and experiences of nurture teachers. Implications for best practice concerning the support and training of existing and potential nurture teachers are discussed.

Personalised learning for young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties

Limited research evidence pertains to the inter-related themes of personalised learning and curricular reform with young people who are disaffected with school or experience social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD). The Extended New Directions (END) project aimed to provide flexible and individualised education to help re-engage secondary school-aged young people. A mixed method research design evaluated the project. Quantitative data were gathered in respect of attendance, exclusion and achievement for the entire cohort of 30 young people. Self-report measures (focus group, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires) were used with randomly selected young people, parents and all stakeholders (n = 52). Analysis suggested that END was generally achieving its aims, and implications for future research, policy and practice are discussed.

Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Functioning of Secondary School Students With Low Academic and Language Performance: Perspectives From Students, Teachers, and Parents

Adolescence is a time of transition when young people with language difficulties are at increased risk of experiencing social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties (SEBD). Most studies of social, emotional, and behavioral functioning (SEBF) in individuals with language difficulties focus on children with a clinical diagnosis of language impairment. This study explores SEBF in a nonclinical group of 12-year-old students with low educational and language performance from their own perspectives and those of their parents and teachers. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire ( Goodman, 1997) was given to 352 mainstream secondary school students who were underperforming academically and had poor language performance. Two hundred and twenty-five of their parents and 230 of their teachers also completed the questionnaire. Students with low educational attainment and poor language showed significantly greater SEBD than a normative sample as reported by themselves, their parents, and their teachers. Significant differences were found across informants, with students identifying more overall difficulties than parents or teachers. Secondary school students with low academic and language performance are more vulnerable to experiencing SEBD compared to typically developing peers. The extent of their difficulties varied depending on the informant, emphasizing the importance of gaining views from multiple perspectives.

Private knowledge, public face: Conceptions of children with SEBD by teachers in the UK – a case study

The behaviours of children or young people in educational settings are a major cause for concern in the UK and internationally. Recent policy in the UK has stressed the impact of ‘poor’ behaviour upon teacher welfare and efficacy. Children or young people classified as ‘having’ SEBD (Social Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties) are a group whose welfare has elicited particular concern amongst educational psychologists (EPs), educators and policy-makers.This paper is an exploratory analysis of written accounts by 150 teachers about their professional experience and perception of children/young people presenting SEBD. Phenomenographic analysis of data suggested a set of identifiable personal-professional responses, disclosing an often troubled personal-professional accommodation of tensions between policy and practice. Research literature exploring educators’ perceptions of children presenting SEBD is addressed in this context. A consideration of methodological issues is made, specifically those associated with phenomenography.A key recommendation of this paper is that EPs have an important role in helping teachers to develop positive, sustainable and psychologically-informed practice with individuals who present SEBD. The justification for this recommendation focuses upon the benefits of approaches that emphasise relationships in and around school rather than on behaviour per se. The need for comparative, international research on this issue is highlighted as is the need to recognise systemic connections between aspects of an educator’s perceptions of an individual presenting SEBD and aspects of their response in practice.

How did young people identified as presenting with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties experience a person-centred transition review meeting?

This paper reports an idiographic study, which explores how three young people identified as presenting with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD) experienced the process of a person-centred transition review meeting. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather views and experiences. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to explore participants’ personal experiences in depth. Analysis revealed several themes that occurred across participants. Power was a salient issue, identifiable in different forms across themes. The process of person-centred reviews incorporated an expectation of reciprocity that reduced power imbalances and encouraged the boys and their families to participate more fully. Implications are considered.

Traumatisation and long-term stress cascades: case report: Jan M.

Numerous services in the field of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD) are active, with different qualities and outcomes in their work. Different professions are also involved in this field between regular and special schools, the children and young people welfare system, the psychiatric ward, the police, therapeutically services and the like – and all too often they fail because of an institutional mismanagement. This case study has two objectives: specifying the situation of children and young people with SEBD in Germany and clarifying the need of an attachment oriented pedagogy in contrast to the latest hype of ‘facts and figures’ based programmes.

Communication interventions and their impact on behaviour in the young child: A systematic review

Speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and social, emotional and behaviour difficulties (SEBD) commonly overlap, yet we know relatively little about the mechanism linking the two, specifically to what extent it is possible to reduce behaviour difficulties by targeted communication skills. The EPPI Centre systematic review methodology was applied to the intervention literature related to primary school aged children with both SLCN and SEBD. Studies were graded for study quality. Nineteen studies including 148 children met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity was high in terms of symptoms, methodology, interventions and outcomes. All studies reported positive effects of intervention on both communication and behavioural outcomes although the majority were graded as being of relatively low quality. Despite study limitations the findings suggest that this is a promising direction of enquiry. There remain many gaps in the evidence, for example study quality needs to improve, comparative work is rare and it is difficult to use these interventions to reflect on the type of systemic classroom models of service delivery recommended for many of these children. The results have implications for both clinical practice and further research.

Towards a new construct of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties

The socio-economic context of SEBD teacher-research and practice-based interventions – in inner-city state schools predominantly– means that the literature in this field has often given disproportionate predominance to the ‘social’ element in social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD). Though seeking a ‘cause’ is not a determining feature of SEBD literature, it is nevertheless assumed in most literature that emotional instability and behaviour manifestations are usually loosely and intrinsically linked to social status and, to some extent, to economic difficulties and their complex ramifications. This paper will examine a decade of teacher-research analysis compiled within a private sector school and attempt to examine hypotheses that to some extent take the emphasis away from the ‘S’ in SEBD. The data which were collected in a residential school, situated in Quebec, during a period of 12 years between 1997 and 2009, will show that students with SEBD are frequently in fact encountered in the private sector even if, for administrative reasons, they are handled differently and often not given the SEBD label. If social disparities and economic difficulties are in fact not predominantly relevant in manifestations of SEBD, how then can assumptions be reversed and a different construct be put forward to explain why certain children, regardless of background and socio-economic context develop SEBD? Since many of the data collected show that these students may later develop into adjusted adults. The conceptual looking glass of the medical model must be discarded as being incapable of explaining the universal manifestation of SEBD through the socio-economic spectrum. The hypothesis put forward in this paper is that children with SEBD should be seen, foremost, as children unable or unwilling to make a socially acceptable distinction between ‘private’ world and ‘social’ context. For reasons unknown, they refuse to comply with or fail to recognise the ‘Chinese walls’ which exist between these two aspects of human existence and which must generally be adhered to achieve ‘functional’ status. The study draws on documents relating to and data collected from three cohorts, aged 16 to 19, over a period of 12 years.

Pupil voice: listening to and hearing the educational experiences of young people with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD)

This paper provides an overview of a PhD pilot study which aimed to develop innovative, exploratory research strategies for harnessing the pupil voice of children with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD). The paper highlights how a PhD pilot study engaged young people in novel data collection methods. The main aim of this paper is to locate the pupil at the heart of the data collection and to examine how specific turning points can impact upon the educational experiences of young people with BESD. An overview of the methods employed in the research are offered here; these included activity sessions that involved role play and games in order to facilitate an exploration of pupils' responses to their different experiences of BESD provision. Following on from the activity sessions, interviews were conducted to gain a more detailed insight into pupils' educational experiences. The methods employed throughout this paper were interactive, with emphasis placed on engaging and involving the young people in the research process. The paper ends by offering a discussion of the preliminary findings from the pilot study and the researcher's experiences of engaging young people with BESD in research.

Living in the ‘real world’: the experiences and support of school-leavers with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties

Several follow-up studies have reported the poor post-school outcomes for young people with social emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD). This paper reports an in-depth examination of the transition process, to increase understanding of why this group struggle with life after school and what can be done to improve the help given to them. The study on which this paper is based was a qualitative, longitudinal study, focussed on a group of school-leavers with SEBD who were leaving a mainstream school and two special schools (one day, one residential). After collecting life histories and information on their support networks before they left school, a researcher followed them, their parents and the professionals who worked with them (college tutors, Connexions workers, etc) for a year. Their parents and the young people themselves were interviewed to gain multiple perspectives on how they are supported and why they struggled or thrived. Most of the participants struggled in the year after they left school without achieving their potential, but some were effectively supported and thrived. The relationships between the young people and key care and education workers seemed to have the greatest influence on their transitional experiences. However, the workers who developed the most constructive and valued relationships with the participants were not the best trained or qualified. A closer look at the some of these relationships shows the transactional nature of their development and the importance of the role of managers and institutional cultures and structures in supporting or inhibiting relationship development.

Experiences and perceptions of physical education

This research has studied how children and young people, who are deemed by their school to have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD), experience the National Curriculum of Physical Education (PE) in England. Research has previously highlighted the physical, social, affective and cognitive benefits of participation in PE. Furthermore, practical, physical and expressive creative experiences in education have been cited as being an important constituent when educating children with SEBD. However, research has yet to address the experiences of the child with SEBD alongside the ideological benefits of their participation in physical education. After a period of sensitisation to the field in a number of pilot schools, 24 weeks in total were spent immersed in the cultures of two mainstream schools in the west of England. After six weeks of local familiarisation, during which field notes and research diaries were kept, weekly interviews with each of six case study participants commenced. In this research, a PE environment afforded opportunities to spend time and build trust through co-participation in the negotiation of socially constructed roles in the subject. The six case study participants, whose experiences were explored, make reference to, amongst others: their affinity towards the physical nature of PE, and the perception of it being a subject allowing for freedoms not found elsewhere in the curriculum as well as one which cemented both the positive and negative social systems in relation to their relationships with peers. Inductive processes of analysis utilising constant comparison methods between data sources have generated data which show signs of both the idiosyncratic nature of multiple truths and some common ground in their experiences.

Perspectives of SENCos and support staff in England on their roles, relationships and capacity to support inclusive practice for students with behavioural emotional and social difficulties

With teachers under pressure to meet curriculum targets, responsibility for including students with behavioural emotional and social difficulties (BESD) in mainstream schools falls heavily on non‐teaching staff. In this article, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with special educational needs coordinators (SENCos) and support staff in a small sample of secondary education settings in England, to examine their perceptions of their role, their relationships with students with BESD and their parents and their ability to facilitate inclusive practice. Despite both SENCo and support staff roles having been regarded as low‐status roles in the past, findings reported here depict a set of highly skilled workers crucial to the inclusion of students with BESD. Through the creation of a nurturing environment combined with caring attitudes and accessibility, these staff were able to form positive relationships with these students and their parents. Implications regarding staffing, resources and inclusion are further discussed.