Research-Based Behavioral and Mental Health Practices, Part 4
Question 1: Describe the adaptive roles children of substance abusers typically take on.
Answer 1: In many homes where one or both parents are substance abusers, members of the family will fall into one of five main roles. (1) Chief-enabler. This individual will often make excuses for the user as well as provide support for the user to continue. The chief enabler often receives special attention from the user because he is on the user’s side. (2) Family hero. This individual is the perfectionist of the family. The family hero typically does well in school and provides a good public front for the family. (3) Scapegoat. This individual is typically the trouble maker of the family and is often blamed for the family’s problems. (4) Lost child. This individual often keeps to himself as a means to deal with the family situation. (5) Mascot. Typically, the “funny one” this individuals handles stress by being the class clown.
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Question 2: Discuss how a school-based substance abuse prevention program can be effective.
Answer 2: School-based prevention programs benefit the entire school. These programs are most beneficial when they are consistent from kindergarten through twelfth grade and provide regular information and support to the students. These programs should also offer students with an organized and regular curriculum of information, employing various education methods, including group work, feedback, and reinforcement. Additionally, a school-based prevention program should focus on and support prosocial behaviors within the school and community. Finally, these programs should be scientifically evaluated annually to determine their effectiveness as well as determine any necessary changes for improvement.
Question 3: Discuss challenges a school psychologist may face when working with a child of a substance abuser.
Answer 3: Working with children of substance abusers poses unique challenges. Family conflict is often prevalent in these homes and may include violence. In this environment, the child may have difficulty sleeping or getting homework completed, thus affecting their academics. Inconsistent discipline or structure in the home is another factor affecting these children. These children may experience overly strict discipline at times and no discipline other times. Additionally, these children may have little or no supervision or support at home. Role reversal also occurs when the child is placed in the role of the parent. Rather than the child being able to be a child, he is required or feels obligated to care for his using parent or for other siblings in the house.
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