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Identifying Depressed or At-Risk Students in Your Classroom. Anne Steider, PhD, MBA NTID Psychological Services/ CaPS Staff Psychologist. Disruptive - vs - Distressed. “Disruptive” or distressing student behavior interferes with your teaching and the learning of other students in class
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Identifying Depressed or At-Risk Students in Your Classroom Anne Steider, PhD, MBA NTID Psychological Services/CaPS Staff Psychologist
Disruptive -vs- Distressed
“Disruptive” or distressing student behavior interferes with your teaching and the learning of other students in class • Interrupt others • Dominate discussions • Text • Demand attention • Exit class or frequently late • Argue • Sleep
Disruptive Behavior • Annoying but not disruptive to the class - consider addressing individually outside of class • Disruptive to class • Direct, assertive response • Ask the offenders to stop doing what they are doing • “Excuse me, that _______ (name the behavior) is disrupting the class. Could you please ______ (name your desired action)”
“Distressed” student behavior may be less disturbing to the classroom, but indicates a student’s degree of health and wellbeing • Changes in academic performance or behavior • Unusual behavior or appearance • Talk of suicide, homicide or death • Stating a need for help
Association of College Counseling Centers Annual Survey 2015 • Most frequently presented concerns • Anxiety 47% • Depression 40% • Relationship issues 32%
Changes in academic performance or behavior • Poor performance or preparation (particularly if previous performance has been good) • Excessive absences or tardiness • Avoids participation/communication • Excessive anxiety when called upon, giving a speech, or taking a exam • Exaggerated or inappropriate emotional response to an event or situation
Unusual behavior or appearance • Depressed or lethargic mood (head down, avoidance of eye contact) • Hyperactivity or very rapid speech • Swollen or red eyes • Change in personal hygiene or dress • Disheveled appearance • Dramatic weight loss or gain • Strange or bizarre behavior indicating questionable contact with reality
Talk of suicide, homicide or death • Overt references to suicide or off-handed remarks about suicide (even if said jokingly) • Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness • Isolation from friends or family • Homicidal threats or off-handed threatening remarks • Recent, unexpected loss
Stating a need for help • Students may directly tell you about their feelings of stress, confusion, sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, etc. They may look to you for understanding, answers, and/or direction. • On the other hand, students may fear negative judgment and avoid and withdraw from you and your class.
Responding empathically to emotional distress • Explicitly acknowledge the student’s difficult situation or emotion
Responding empathically to emotional distress • Nondirective support of self determination and action • “What do you want to have happen?” • “Is there anyone that could support you with this plan?”
Responding empathically to emotional distress • Collaborative Engagement • “You are saying you have decided to __________, but you are unsure of the options for help. Let’s explore together where you could go for help”.
Responding empathically to emotional distress • Directive engagement • “What I want you to do right now is breathe with me. That’s good. Breathe in for a count of 6 and out for a count of 6”.
Disruptive Behavior • Interrupt others • Dominate discussions • Texting • Demand attention • Exit class or frequently late • Argue • Sleep Distressed Behavior • Changes in academic performance or behavior • Unusual behavior or appearance • Talk of suicide, homicide or death • Stating a need for help
Exceptionally difficult distressed and disruptive behavior • Emotionality • Self-injury/Cutting • SuicidalIdeation • Violence
Exceptionally difficult distressed and disruptive behavior • Emotionality • Anger • Tears Response: I can see this is important to you. Because this is important, lets come up with a plan.
Exceptionally difficult distressed and disruptive behavior • Emotionality • Self-injury/Cutting • Emotional regulation Response: You must be feeling pretty overwhelmed. You don’t have to deal with this on your own. Thank you for talking about this difficult matter.
Exceptionally difficult distressed and disruptive behavior • Suicide/Violence Implementation Acquisition Planning Ideation
Exceptionally difficult distressed and disruptive behavior • Suicide/Violence • Perpetrators of serious campus violence don’t “just snap” • These incidents are not impulsive or random • Most (over 75%) consider, plan, and prepare before engaging in violent behavior • Most (over 75%) discuss their plans with others before the attack.
Managing your anxiety as an instructor when approaching a disruptive or distressed student • Breathe first. • Remind yourself this is not about you. • Remember there are campus resources.