Exploring the relevance of an attachment theory perspective to the behaviour management of challenging students: perceptions of education professionals advocate an attachment theory perspective

Studies conducted on student profiles in academic settings reveal that a significant proportion of students, ranging from 10% to 20% , encounter various forms of stressors that include poverty, trauma, abuse, neglect, and domestic violence . Such stressors will likely manifest as disruptive behaviours within the school environment. This paper focuses on identifying the perceptions of professionals regarding effective behaviour management by considering the relevance of an Attachment Theory perspective (ATP) for students with social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. This research is a qualitative study, and the data were collected by conducting key informant interviews with 13 participants who advocate an ATP in understanding and supporting students with challenging behaviours, who were selected purposefully. The participants are professionals who hold various positions related to research, policy, and practice, and the data gathered from them were analysed thematically. The professionals highlighted the need for a greater understanding of the relevance of an ATP in managing challenging behaviour in schools. The main finding to emerge from the interviews is that awareness of an ATP potentially leads to a better understanding of underlying reasons for challenging behaviours in the classrooms, and this awareness helps educators look for the best ways to support students in providing not only an optimum and sustainable classroom environment but also an enjoyable school experience. Moreover, with the help of extra targeted support for students, the school behaviour management system will be more inclusion-oriented rather than exclusion-oriented.