Neil Humphrey

Perceptions of social support and experience of bullying among pupils with autistic spectrum disorders in mainstream secondary schools

In line with current educational policy on inclusive education, the number of pupils with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) attending mainstream schools is increasing. However, concerns remain about their experiences in school. In particular, previous research has suggested that such pupils are at an increased risk of social exclusion. In light of this, the aim of the current study was to examine the level of social support received and the frequency of bullying experienced by adolescents with ASD. Our sample comprised 40 pupils with ASD, 40 pupils with dyslexia, and a reference group of 40 pupils with no identified special educational needs (SEN), matched by age and gender (and, for the ASD and dyslexic groups, the stage of the SEN Code of Practice). The sample was drawn from 12 mainstream secondary schools in the north‐west of England. Participants completed the Social Support Scale for Children and the My Life in School Checklist. Our analyses indicated that pupils with ASD experienced higher frequency of bullying and lower levels of social support from parents, classmates and friends than either pupils with dyslexia or those without SEN. Interestingly, no differences were observed in the level of social support received from teachers. Analyses examining the relationship between social support and bullying indicated that the receiving support from classmates was the most important means of reducing the frequency of bullying. This was also the aspect of social support on which pupils with ASD scored lowest. The implications of these findings for educational policy and practice in relation to pupils with ASD are discussed.

Emotional Intelligence and Education: A critical review

In recent years there has been an increased interest in the role of emotional intelligence in both the academic success of students and their emotional adjustment in school. However, promotion of emotional intelligence in schools has proven a controversial pursuit, challenging as it does traditional “rationalist” views of education. Furthermore, research findings in this area have been inconsistent at best. In this article we discuss the following key questions relating to this important debate. What do we mean by emotional “intelligence”? What impact would improved emotional intelligence have on learners’ emotional health and well‐being, academic achievement, and other adaptive outcomes? Can emotional intelligence be taught? It is felt that these are the key issues for consideration in developing policy, practice, and further research in this area.

Peer-group indicators of social inclusion among pupils with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) in mainstream secondary schools: A comparative study

The number of pupils with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) attending mainstream schools is increasing, but there is evidence that their needs may not be fully met. Previous research has suggested that such pupils are at an increased risk of social exclusion. In light of this, the aim of the current study was to examine the sociometric status, perceived levels of peer social support, and the frequency of bullying experienced by this group of learners. Our sample comprised 40 pupils with ASD, 40 pupils with dyslexia, and a reference group of 40 pupils with no identified special educational needs, matched by age and gender (and, for the ASD and dyslexic groups, the stage of the SEN Code of Practice). Participants completed the Social Support Scale for Children (Harter, 1985) and the My Life in School Questionnaire (Arora & Thompson, 1987), and their peers completed the Social Inclusion Survey (Frederickson & Graham, 1999). Our analyses indicated that pupils with ASD experienced higher levels of rejection and lower levels of acceptance than either reference group. They also reported lower levels of peer social support and higher levels of bullying. These findings are discussed in relation to previous research and the efficacy of the inclusion movement.

Social and emotional learning : a critical appraisal

Introduction Overview Rationale For The Text What is SEL? A Taxonomy of SEL Why Has SEL Become So Popular? What can Research Tell Us About SEL? The Importance of Implementation The Structure of this Book Notes on Voice, Terminology and Textual Features What Do We Mean by Social and Emotional Learning? Overview The Prevailing Definition of SEL The Universalist Approach (And Its Potential Problems) What Is The Nature Of The Skills Imparted Through SEL? The Broader Discourse - Diversity Or Dilution? Mapping SEL And Associated Concepts The Backbone Of SEL Mental Health And Well-being How Does SEL Work? An Analysis Of The Logic Model Direct Links Between SEL And School Outcomes Indirect Links Between SEL And School Outcomes Further Reading Origins and Influences Overview The Historical Rools of SEL Progressive Education The Interplay Between Emotions And Reason The Influence Of Social, Emotional And Multiple Intelligences The Self-esteem Movement A Youth In Crisis Evidence For Hope Rather Than Despair Risk, Protection And Resilience The Field Of School-based Prevention The Political and Financial Drivers of SEL Further Reading SEL Around the World Overview The United States England Northern Ireland Australia Sweden Singapore Convergences And Divergences in SEL Across The World - An Analysis Further Reading Assessment Overview The Importance Of Assessment Key Issues In Assessing SEL A Selected Anthology Of Measures Of Social And Emotional Competence In Children And Young People Beyond Social And Emotional Competence - What Else Should Be Assessed? Further Reading Implementation Overview Implementation Matters Elements Of Implementation Factors Affecting Implementation Bringing It All Together - The Implementation Quality Framework Further Reading Outcomes of SEL Overview What Does The Research Tell Us About The Impact of SEL On Outcomes For Children And Young People? Key Issues In Interpreting SEL Outcome Research Interpreting SEL Evaluation Studies With Null Results: A Framework Further Reading Conclusion Overview Examine The Orthodoxy Of SEL Future Directions Final Thoughts Further Reading References Index

Peer interaction patterns among adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) in mainstream school settings

The aim of the current study was to document the peer interaction patterns of students with autistic spectrum disorders in mainstream settings. Structured observations of a group of 38 adolescents with ASD drawn from 12 mainstream secondary schools were conducted over a two-day period and data compared with those of school, age, and gender matched comparison groups of 35 adolescents with dyslexia and 38 with no identified special educational needs (the ASD and dyslexia groups were also matched on SEN provision). Frequency and duration of peer interaction behaviours were coded. In terms of duration, multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) indicated that participants with ASD spent more time engaged in solitary behaviours, less time engaged in co-operative interaction with peers, and more time engaging in reactive aggression towards peers than either comparison group. In terms of frequency, similar patterns emerged, but additionally participants with ASD engaged in fewer instances of rough/vigorous play, and were subject to more instances of social initiation and instrumental verbal aggression by peers than either comparison group. The findings of the current study support the authors’ theoretical model of peer group interaction processes for individuals with ASD, and have implications for both social skills training and the development of peer awareness and sensitivity. Limitations are noted.

Teacher and pupil ratings of self-esteem in developmental dyslexia

Neil Humphrey is a lecturer in psychology at Bolton Institute. In this article, based on the research he carried out for his PhD thesis, he explores the relationships between dyslexia and self-esteem in pupils. Neil Humphrey gathered data using both teacher rating scales and pupil self-reporting. He compares results from a group of pupils with dyslexia in mainstream settings; a group attending units for pupils with specific learning difficulties (SpLD); and a control group. In discussing his findings, Neil Humphrey presents practitioners working towards inclusion with a carefully considered challenge.

Measures of Social and Emotional Skills for Children and Young People A Systematic Review

This study presents the findings of a systematic review of measures of social and emotional skills for children and young people. The growing attention to this area in recent years has resulted in the development of a large number of measures to aid in the assessment of children and young people. These measures vary on a number of variables relating to implementation characteristics and psychometric properties. The methodology of the review followed the general principles of systematic reviewing, such as systematic search of databases, the adoption of predetermined set of inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a multistage filtering process. The review process resulted in the retention of 12 measures, which are presented and discussed in relation to key issues in this area, including difficulties with the underlying theory and frameworks for social and emotional skills, inconsistent terminology, the scope and distinctiveness of available measures, and more practical issues such as the type of respondent, location, and purpose of measurement.

The influence of emotional intelligence (EI) on coping and mental health in adolescence: divergent roles for trait and ability EI.

Theoretically, trait and ability emotional intelligence (EI) should mobilise coping processes to promote adaptation, plausibly operating as personal resources determining choice and/or implementation of coping style. However, there is a dearth of research deconstructing if/how EI impacts mental health via multiple coping strategies in adolescence. Using path analysis, the current study specified a series of multiple-mediation and conditional effects models to systematically explore interrelations between coping, EI, depression and disruptive behaviour in 748 adolescents (mean age = 13.52 years; SD = 1.22). Results indicated that whilst ability EI influences mental health via flexible selection of coping strategies, trait EI modifies coping effectiveness; specifically, high levels of trait EI amplify the beneficial effects of active coping and minimise the effects of avoidant coping to reduce symptomotology. However, effects were selective with respect to coping style and outcome. Implications for interventions are discussed alongside directions for future research.

Personal constructs and attribution for academic success and failure in dyslexia

Neil Humphrey published a previous article, on self–esteem and dyslexia, in BJSE. This paper, jointly authored by Dr Humphrey, recently appointed as a lecturer in the psychology of education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manchester, and Dr Patricia M. Mullins, senior lecturer in special educational needs at Liverpool John Moores University and the supervisor of Neil Humphrey’s PhD thesis, explores the relationships between dyslexia and the ways in which pupils perceive themselves as learners. Making extensive links with other relevant research, the authors conclude by suggesting that ‘the problems that children with dyslexia encounter have negative consequences for their self–development’. Humphrey and Mullins also propose that, while further research is needed, we already know enough about how to make schools more ‘dyslexia friendly’ to begin to tackle these difficulties at an early stage in children’s education.

Understanding and responding to diversity in the primary classroom: an international study

The increased diversification of classrooms in recent years has placed additional demands upon teachers who strive to facilitate the learning and participation of all pupils. The aim of the current study was to explore how primary teachers across Europe understand and respond to diversity in their classrooms. A total of 35 teachers from 7 countries (Czech Republic, England, Germany, Holland, Lithuania, Malta, Sweden) participated in semi‐structured interviews. Analysis of the data yielded several key themes: (i) the need for caring and inclusive attitudes and school ethos, (ii) facilitating inclusive values and solidarity in pupils, (iii) building collaborative networks, (iv) organising ‘responsive’ teaching, and (v) facing challenges in responding to diversity. The implications of these findings for the development of inclusive practices are discussed.