Engagement, Residential Treatment Staff Cognitive and Behavioral Disputations, and Youths’ Problem-Solving

In this study, the researchers examined the relationship between residential treatment staff members’ use of cognitive and behavioral disputations and problem-solving skills just prior to discharge for 59 youths with emotional and behavioral disorders. The researchers also assessed the direct and indirect effects of engagement in treatment on problem-solving. Measures completed by youths, childcare staff, and clinicians were used in order to comprehensively understand these relationships. The relationship between cognitive and behavioral disputations, as measured by both youth and staff, and problem-solving skills was not significant. Youth and staff reports of engagement in treatment related directly to youth report, but not staff report, of cognitive and behavioral disputations. Youth report of engagement was the only predictor of problem-solving just prior to discharge. Implications for engaging youth in treatment are discussed.