Vol 17, No 4 (2009)
In the classic book Controls from Within, Fritz Redl and David Wineman described methods to help children internalize self-control through structure, expectations, and engagement with positive adults and activities. When problems occur, these become opportunities for learning and growth. But many programs still focus on enforcing rules instead of building controls from within. Zero tolerance in schools, point/level behavior modification in group settings, and mandatory sanctions in juvenile justice provide ritualized behavior management but work against genuine behavior change. Non-relational schemes substitute coercion for communication. When behavioral problems trigger automated systems of control, the effect is also automatic: adversarial climates where youth evade adults and form peer countercultures. This issue provides powerful positive alternatives. Guest editor is Dr. Karen VanderVen, Professor of Psychology and Education at the University of Pittsburgh.
You are not currently signed in. To view the full journal articles, please
sign in using the account associated with your paid subsciption, or you may
purchase one online.Sections
Helping Troubled Children and Youth
Mary Beth Noll, John H. Hoover
This volume revisits the roots of the re-education approach and considers its effectiveness in the field today. Editors Cantrell and Cantrell bring together a range of perspectives through a variety of contributing chapter authors.
Buy This Article Online!
Culture and Development
back to top
Transforming Self-Control Through Peer Relationships
Michael J. Nakkula
Only as adults let go of their need to wield external control can youth develop inner control. One promising method is to use peer relationships to foster positive growth.
Buy This Article Online!
Educational Innovations
back to top
Controls from Within the Classroom
Mary Margaret Kerr, Michael W. Valenti
Improving teacher-student communications through the preventative processes and techniques outlined in this article can serve as a great starting block for general educators faced with difficult behaviors in the classroom.
Buy This Article Online!
From the Editor
back to top
From Power to Empowerment
Karen VanderVen, Larry K. Brendtro
Treatment and Family
back to top
Reclaiming Redl's Wisdom
Jerome Beker
Current approaches to troubled children focus on external control and superficial compliance. This article explores the significance of Fritz Redl’s concept of building controls from within to effective practice in the 21st Century.
Buy This Article Online!
Why Focusing on Control Backfires: A Systems Perspective
Karen VanderVen
A narrow focus on reward and punishment works against creating a rich milieu of activities and relationships. Principles from systems theory show why external controls fail.
Buy This Article Online!
Relational Apects of Controls from Within
Thom Garfat
Developing controls from within requires the helper to be a person of influence able to create conditions of safety in relationship. In order to do so, a focus on the characteristics of adults’ relationships with youth is essential. Relational practice offers such a focus.
Buy This Article Online!
Neurophysiological Basis of Self-Regulation in Children and Youth
Anne Conway
Many children and youth have difficulty controlling emotions and impulsive behavior. Brain science is shining new light on the process by which children develop self-regulation and controls from within.
Buy This Article Online!
A Journey from Coercion to Building Courage
Gino DeSalvatore, Carla Millspaugh, Cindy Long
Historically, behavior management in treatment settings has focused on external controls such as points, tokens, and level systems. This article describes one program’s transformation where troubled youth develop internal controls and become active participants in their own change.
Buy This Article Online!
Life Space Crisis Intervention: "Why Do Us Kids Have to Suffer?"
Tricia Jump, Frank A. Fecser
This Reclaiming Intervention is an excellent example of the notion that life is a watercolor. Though LSCI is organized around six specific patterns of self-defeating behavior, we can encounter situations which do not fit squarely into one intervention box or another. What matters is not what we call it, but our ability to discern the central issue and guide the student toward helpful insight. Tricia Jump’s interview demonstrates how a patient, caring adult can bring comfort and hope to a child experiencing some very difficult and painful life events.
Buy This Article Online!
Kid Whispering and the Inside Kid
Mark Freado, J.C. Chambers
Our most challenging youth have learned to be experts at outwitting helping professionals. This article demonstrates the process of reconnecting with such adult-wary kids.
Buy This Article Online!
Activities of Daily Living and Controls from Within
Jack Phelan
Redl and Wineman demonstrated the need for sophisticated, complex approaches to working with children described as “children who hate.” A key intervention is the immersion of these children into a therapeutic milieu, a thoughtfully constructed environment promoting healthy growth and remediation. This article examines the developmental stuckness of these youth and the use of a therapeutic milieu to foster socially useful self-control and motivation to function in a cooperative way.
Buy This Article Online!
