Date of Submission

2016

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP, Chair, Department of Psychology

First Advisor

Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP, Chairperson

Second Advisor

Susan Panichelli Mindel, PhD

Third Advisor

Dawn DeBrocco, PsyD

Abstract

This retrospective study investigated differences in engagement between adolescent inpatients aged 13 to 17 whose guardians were involved in their treatment to varying degrees. Specifically, this study examined differences between adolescents whose guardians were involved via in-person contact with staff versus communication with staff solely by telephone in percentage of groups attended, number of restraints, and number of prior hospitalizations. Additionally, unit privileges were examined qualitatively. Data were collected and analyzed from 51 charts at a Mid-Atlantic acute inpatient psychiatric facility. Hypotheses concerning guardian involvement were not supported. A significant relationship was found between number of restraints and percentage of groups attended. A simple regression analysis yielded significant results, with percentage of groups attended predicting number of restraints endured. A multiple linear regression analysis using number of restraints, number of prior hospitalizations, in-person involvement (coded yes/no), and length of stay as predictor variables, and percentage of groups attended as the criterion variable yielded significant results, indicating that using a combination of these predictors is better than using the means of each. This multiple regression also found that number of restraints was the only significant predictor of percentage of groups attended. The inverse relationship between number of restraints and percentage of groups attended has implications for inpatient treatment, highlighting the importance of increasing engagement in group therapy, as well as considering other ways to involve patients at greater risk of restraint in treatment programming. Results are discussed in consideration of the recovery movement.

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Psychology Commons

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