Controlling the Difficult Adolescent: The REST Program (The Real Economy System for Teens)

Introduces specific methods for parents and for therapists on how to teach parents to control difficult and oppositional adolescents. The oppositional/defiant adolescent engages in behavior that can be described as abusive to and inconsiderate of other family members. Such teenagers do not typically respond well to traditional methods of psychotherapy and often therapists commit these youngsters to psychiatric hospitals. The methods introduced in this book are based on years of research and can be effectively carried out in the home setting, removing the need for hospitalization. Simple rules of conduct and clear expectations for the teen’s behavior are established at the beginning. Enforcement of these rules is carried out by systematically controlling the teen’s economic resources (The Real Economy System for Teens.) Both parents and practicing therapists can benefit from the information contained in this book. Contents: How Did it Happen; Discipline and Punishment; How Control the Difficult Adolescent: The REST Program; Special ProblemsóLying and Aggression; Special ProblemóPoor School Performance; Special ProblemóCollege; Special ProblemóDrug and Alcohol Abuse-Hardcore Behaviors; Special ProblemsóActing Out Behaviors - Runaway Reaction, Suicide Attempts, and Delinquent Behaviors; Special ProblemsóDivorce; Communications; A Case Study; Not the Final Chapter.

David B. Stein is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Longwood College, Farmville, Virginia.