The Effect of the Language for Thinking Program on the Cognitive Processing and Social Adjustment of Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Gregory J. Benner, University of Washington - Tacoma Campus
Nicole C. Ralston
Laura Feuerborn, University of Washington - Tacoma Campus

Abstract

Processing speed plays an important role in numerous facets of life functioning. Language, academic achievement, and behavior are all associated with processing speed; however, researchers have yet to investigate the effect of interventions, particularly language-based interventions, on the processing speed and the behavioral functioning of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. This study examined the effects of a language-based intervention program, Language for Thinking, on the processing speed and emotional and behavioral functioning of students with emotional and behavioral disorders served in self-contained settings. At posttest, the authors found significant reductions on the Child Behavior Checklist: Teacher's Report Form, along with statistically significant gains on the Woodcock-Johnson III NU Tests of Cognitive Abilities Processing Speed Cluster. The authors discuss the limitations and present the implications for future research. (Contains 2 tables.)