Aggression Among Inner-City Minority Youth: A Biopsychosocial Model for School-Based Evaluation and Treatment

Abstract

The aggressive behavior of severely emotionally disturbed (SED) students presents a significant management problem for schools. Aggressive behavior disrupts classrooms, impedes learning, and places students at risk for physical and psychological injury. Although aggressive behavior in schools is becoming more prevalent, there have been few comprehensive programs designed to deal with this problem. This article provides a description of a comprehensive school-based evaluation and treatment program serving inner-city minority emotionally disturbed youth. This article describes a multicomponent school-based treatment program conducted with SED children between the ages of 6 and 19 years. The program included three major components: intensive case management, social skills training, and a token economy. Program descriptions, evaluation data, and clinical recommendations are presented.

Key Words:

• Aggression
• Youth
• Social skills training