Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviour: Cognitive Behavioural Psychology and Group Work with Adolescents

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy derived from the work of Beck and Emery has proved useful inthe medical context. It has been adapted for use in schools to evaluate whether or not such anapproach would lead to beneficial changes for groups of adolescents. This article reports astudy in which three groups of pupils have been through a six session programme and gainshave been found in perceived levels of self control and classroom behaviour. Anecdotalevidence suggests improvements in peer relationships and self concept, though these were notfound to differ significantly in pre and post group self-report ratings. Anecdotal evidencesuggests that the gains made are long lasting and extend to all areas of the child’s life.