Behavior and Personality Changes in Emotionally Disturbed Children Enrolled in a Psychoeducational Day Treatment Center

Data describing personality and behavior characteristics of emotionally disturbed children during and following treatment in a psychoeducational day treatment center are presented. Positive changes in social interactions, academic performance, intellectual performance, and self-esteem were documented after approximately 2 years of day treatment. These gains were for the most part maintained at the time of the first follow-up at 3 to 6 months following discharge and the second follow-up at 18 to 24 months following discharge. The discussion focuses on the process of change over time and on the interrelationships of the changes that occurred.