An evaluation of aggression management training in a special educational setting

Abstract

This study reports on the impact of a training programme on aggression management and physical intervention in a Scottish special education school. A questionnaire was developed to explore staff stress, coping styles and attitudes towards the use of physical intervention, administered at pre-training, post-training and 6 month follow-up stages. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with trained participants at the 6 month follow-up. The results indicate that staff acquired a deeper knowledge of the physical intervention techniques immediately following the initial training session. At 6 month follow-up, this knowledge had diminished slightly.The majority of staff reported increased confidence as a result of the training. The use of verbal de-escalation techniques showed a significant increase. When used, physical interventions employed mainly low-level techniques. From staff self-report measures, stress levels and psychological coping strategies had not altered in any way. The lack of supporting action by school and departmental managers was identified as a key inhibiting factor.

Keywords:

• aggression management
• physical intervention
• staff attitudes
• training