the student assistance coordinator

Andrew YeagerStudent Assistance Coordinator

Certified School Psychologist

Park Ridge High School

The problems – what adolescents are dealing with (hot topics)

The obstacles – to effective interventions Why traditional interventions aren’t working

The solutions – what does work

The unique role of the SAC

Peer acceptanceInclusion/Attention / Status / Confidence (social)

Coping strategyTo alter feelings / experiences

Experimentation / curiosity / rebellion

Alcohol Marijuana Prescription medication

Pain medications: OxyContin, Vicodin, Percodan

Benzodiazepines: Xanax, Valium Sleep medications: Ambien , Lunesta ADHD medications: Ritalin , Adderall

Heroin Cocaine OTC cold medication ( e.g. “triple C’s”) Inhalants Club drugs

2.4 million persons aged 12 and older initiated nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers such as OxyContin® within the past year.

SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2005

Approximately 9 million Americans could be labeled as pathological computer users; addicted to the Internet to the detriment of work, study, and social life

Byun, S., et al. Internet Addiction: Metasynthesis of Quantitative Research from 1996 – 2006, CyberPsychology and Behavior, Volume 12, Number 2, 2009.

Attention and approval

Status Reputation Identity Bonding Anger Projection Power and control

Entertainment value

Loneliness or boredom

Self-protection False security Jealousy or

Competition Impulsivity

Difficulty foreseeing consequences Difficulty planning or setting priorities

(making wise choices) Difficulty postponing gratification /

controlling impulses High pleasure / reward / novelty seeking High risk-taking behavior Exaggerated black and white thinking

(safe vs. unsafe) Heightened emotional reactions,

fantasy life Difficulty handling social pressures

Risk = Probability x Consequence

Risk = Probability x Consequence x Payoff

(Benefits, rewards, secondary gains, etc.)

Tangible, immediate reward > Abstract, future consequences

Probability x

Consequence x

Payoff x

“Heat of the moment”

RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk: Mortality Estimate Actual

Die from any cause (crime, illness, accident, etc.) in the next year? 18.6 % 0.08%

Die from any cause (crime, illness, accident, etc.) by age 20? 20.3% 0.4%

Fischhoff, B., Assessing adolescent decision-making competence, Developmental Review, #28, 2008

We’re not addressing the right issues

We’re not addressing the issues in the right way

THE “CLASSROOM BRAIN”

“HEAT OF THE MOMENT” BRAIN

Classroom presentations may increase knowledge but show little impact on altering student behavior, particularly outside of school

Lectures and group discussions inhibit disclosure (insight)

Psycho-educational sessions are perceived as preaching

Perception of privacy

Coping skills development Emotional self-regulation Impulse control techniques Positive pleasure/reward opportunities Appropriate and rewarding novel experiences Social skills and healthy opportunities for

inclusion Other key interventions

Act as their “frontal lobes” until theirs kicks in Educate teens, parents, teachers, etc.

Individual interventions with children ages 12 – 19 years old are more effective than any other type of interventions, including factual knowledge, classroom-based programs, media efforts, family-based therapy

Brauser, D., Vega, C.P. “Individual Interventions May Be More Effective Than Family-Based Therapy in Reducing Teen Alcohol Abuse.” Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, January 2010.

Confidential State and Federal guidelines Avoids conflict of interest (clearer boundaries) Other staff perceived as part of the

“establishment” Uniquely trained and certified

NJDOE certification On-going professional development

More effective (on-going) one-on-one settings Insight-oriented

Contact information:Andrew Yeager

Student Assistance CoordinatorCertified School Psychologist

Park Ridge School DistrictAndrewYeager@parkridge.k12.nj.us