Off-campus UMass Amherst users: To download dissertations, please use the following link to log into our proxy server with your UMass Amherst user name and password.

Non-UMass Amherst users, please click the view more button below to purchase a copy of this dissertation from Proquest.

(Some titles may also be available free of charge in our Open Access Dissertation Collection, so please check there first.)

Disruptive behavior of students with psychological problems: An evaluation of response protocols and training activities of Massachusetts state colleges

Ann E Coyne, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Abstract

This study examined and evaluated protocols and training activities for responding to the disruptive behavior of students with psychological problems at institutions in the Massachusetts State College System during the 1997–1998 and 1998–1999 academic years. A review and analysis of the literature and case law provided a basis for evaluating response protocols and training activities. Interviews with policy makers provided a framework for studying the processes used to develop, implement, and evaluate response protocols and training activities. Research questions focused on the number and types of incidents related to the disruptive behavior of students with psychological problems, the types and effectiveness of protocols and training activities, and whether or not the elements of federal law, state statutes, and relevant case law were incorporated in protocols and training activities. This study revealed that the Massachusetts State College System utilized protocols and training activities to respond to the disruptive behavior of students with psychological problems. The types and breadth of protocols and training activities varied by campus and included emergency medical care, hospitalizations, students' return to the residence halls, mandated evaluations, withdrawals, and the use of the student discipline system. This study further revealed that the state colleges reported that the elements of federal and state laws, as well as court opinions, were included in response protocols and training activities. This study found that training activities were offered in varying degrees at the state colleges that participated in the study. Significant training was offered to student resident assistants, but faculty and staff did not participate in training programs to the same extent as students. This study found that communication among individuals involved in developing, approving, implementing, and evaluating protocols was key to successful interventions. From the study, the researcher recommended three topics for further study. They included a study of best practice collaborations between hospitals and colleges, a study of the emerging pattern of high school violence and school responses and training activities, and a study of legal issues surrounding the disruptive behavior of students with psychological problems.

Subject Area

Higher education|School administration|Academic guidance counseling

Recommended Citation

Coyne, Ann E, "Disruptive behavior of students with psychological problems: An evaluation of response protocols and training activities of Massachusetts state colleges" (2001). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI3012123.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI3012123

Share

COinS