Defiance Toward Authority
Refusal to follow rules and challenging or opposing persons of authority are not uncommon behaviors for adolescents. However, frequent and intense episodes of defiance may indicate a more serious problem. Five or more of the following symptoms may be cause for concern:
|
|
Aspen Achievement Academy addresses defiance in several ways. The program is highly structured and each member of the small group has tasks that are necessary for the group. If a student opposes the rules he will suffer natural consequences, for example, refusal to set up camp may result in sleeping without shelter.
Treatment groups are intentionally structured with students at different levels in the program so those student leaders on higher levels serve as role models for their peers. This allows new students to see older students modeling cooperative behavior and benefiting from increased program privileges.
Program consequences, such as a drop in a privilege level or peer pressure to cooperate, are also effective means used at Aspen to address adolescent defiance. Students who avoid consequences of their defiance by running away, will find it difficult to do so as they are far from any city and unfamiliar with the area. This compels them to face their problems.
Individual and group therapies provided by professional counselors give students an opportunity to discuss their problems and identify underlying causes of their defiant behavior. Staff members encourage the students to share these feelings in daily groups and to listen to feedback from peers and counselors. Many issues brought about in the field, relate to problems at home, such as; cooperation, following rules, relationships with others, anger, etc. Students desire to cooperate and follow rules after suffering negative consequences of their defiant behavior and positive consequences of their appropriate behavior. Aspen rewards positive behavior by increased program privileges, verbal praise and leadership roles within the group. The result is permanent behavioral change that generalizes to the home setting once the students graduate.
