NCJ Number
198444
Date Published
2002
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses Motivation-Adaptive Skills-Trauma Resolution (MASTR) therapy for adolescents with conduct problems.
Abstract
Conduct problems include a broad range of activities, such as disruptive, oppositional, aggressive, and/or criminal behavior, as well as non-compliance with normal community, school, and home expectations. The MASTR treatment approach for adolescents with conduct problems is designed to systematically address treatment issues, while incorporating EMDR in some typical and some innovative ways. It begins with a modified motivational interviewing approach, since commitment to treatment is the first obstacle. The second phase involves cognitive-behavioral training and coping skills development, which helps the youth to trust the therapist and to gain the confidence, strength, and sense of control necessary to face the trauma directly. The final phase involves working through the traumatic material. Eye movements are used during the visualization activities occurring in each phase of treatment to enhance continuity across treatment activities and to prepare the youth for trauma resolution activities. Participants were drawn from a population of students, grades 7 to 12, referred for school-related problems in a public school system in Hawaii. The results were that every participant made some progress on his/her primary presenting complaints, with some problems being substantially resolved, although significant problem areas often remained. In general, family life became calmer, school discipline problems decreased, and grades increased. The overall experience of participants seemed very positive. The MASTR approach represents several possible advances in treating conduct problem youth. 2 figures, 49 references