Abstract:

In the Czech Republic, the term ´behavioural problem´ or ´behavioural disorder´ is usually understood as a negative deviation from the norm in a child’s behaviour. The norm is defined as a behaviour judged to be normal, expected or assumed in the given individual. Expectations are influenced by the age of the child, the immediate situational context and also by the cultural influences in the child’s social context. One of the programs which have been used with this target group in recent years is the Instrumental Enrichment intervention program designed by Reuven Feuerstein. In this program, emotions, empathy and social relationships are approached and dealt with cognitively, which is a rather unique and very effective approach to use with children displaying risky and problematic behaviours. If we accept the proposition that problematic and non-standard behaviour is understood as communication response to particular situations, then communication must be seen as a relationship qualitatively different from the character traits of the participating individuals. Through case studies, this paper aims to specify the possibilities of using this program to help children of younger and middle-school age with problematic behaviour or behavioural disorders, as well as to discuss the program’s potential to bring about desirable changes in these children’s behaviour.

Keywords:

Behavioral problems, emotions, social relations, intervention program.