Selected Demographic Variables as Predictors of Behavior Change Among Adolescents in a Residential Treatment Center

Research has demonstrated that theories of coping resources can be clarified by delineating risk factors and protective factors. These factors modulate the impact of traumatic events and which predict treatment outcome. This research project selected variables, conceptualized as risk and protective factors, to predict behavioral changes of adolescents at Chehalem House, a residential treatment center. The predictor variables were gender, age, diagnoses, level of intellectual functioning, the occurrence of sexual abuse, and severity of sexual abuse . The behaviors selected as criterion variables were non-compliance, negative attention seeking, and passivity/depression. Statistically significant regression equations were derived : a positive correlation between relationship of perpetrator with the victim and changes in noncompliant behaviors, a positive correlation between level of intellectual functioning and negative attention seeking behaviors, a negative correlation between age and negative attention seeking behaviors, and a negative correlation between sexual abuse scores and passive/depressive behaviors. The research findings indicated the need for residential centers to provide psychological treatment to MR/DD clients, to provide more treatment for sexually abused children, and to improve coping styles through skills building and intensive family therapy. The family was identified as a critical component of treatment