Date of Award
8-1977
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Counseling
First Advisor
Alan Brown
Second Advisor
Peggy McAllister
Abstract
Susan Richman’s thesis, A Theoretically Based Project Applying Family Systems Theory to School Consultation, explores how principles of family therapy can be applied to school consultation. Rooted in Structural Family Systems Theory, the study examines how classroom dynamics function similarly to family units, where interactions between teachers, students, and parents shape behavior. Richman conducted a pilot study using the Family Demonstration Therapy (FDT) model, traditionally applied in family therapy, to assess its effectiveness in school settings.
The study involved consultations at two schools: a cooperative infant center and a public kindergarten. Through classroom observations, teacher discussions, and modeled interventions, the research focused on restructuring classroom environments and communication patterns to foster positive behavioral change. Findings suggest that classroom behavior improves when teachers adopt a systems-oriented approach rather than isolating individual students as problems.
Results indicated that while short-term interventions were beneficial, longer-term engagement would be more effective for lower-functioning classroom environments. The study concludes that integrating family therapy principles into school consultations can offer a comprehensive method for addressing classroom challenges, providing teachers with tools to support student behavior and classroom management effectively. This research contributes to bridging family therapy with educational psychology, offering a novel approach to behavioral interventions in schools.
Recommended Citation
Richman, Susan, "A Theoretically Based Project Applying Family Systems Theory to School Consultation" (1977). Theses. 1257.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/1257
Creative Commons License
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