An 11-year-old diagnosed with ODD becomes angry over the rules at a residential treatment program and begins cursing at the nurse. Select the best method for the nurse to defuse the situation.
A) Ignore the child's behavior.
B) Send the child to time-out for 2 hours.
C) Take the child to the gym and engage in an activity.
D) Role-play a more appropriate behavior with the child.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The child's behavior warrants an active response. Redirecting the expression of feelings into nondestructive age-appropriate behaviors, such as a physical activity, helps defuse the situation here and now. This response helps the child learn how to modulate the expression of feelings and exert self-control. This is the least restrictive alternative and should be tried before resorting to a more restrictive measure. Role playing is appropriate after the child's anger is defused.

An 11-Year-Old Diagnosed with ODD Becomes Angry Over the Rules