The Voices of Girls in Special Education: Perceptions of Self in a Girls’ Support Circle

• In Event: Roundtable Session 83
  In Roundtable Session: Voice and Identity

Abstract

This research aimed to fill the gap in knowledge of girls with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) by examining the experiences and perceptions of adolescent females with EBD as they participated in a 10-week, gender-responsive support group. Basic interpretive qualitative research was used to give voice to this understudied population (Merriam, 2002). Emergent themes were found in the category of perceptions of self and focused on peer pressure, openness to leadership roles, and identification as a girl with “issues” or EBD. Lessons learned about girls with EBD and the use of qualitative research in order to gain greater insight into this population will be discussed.

Authors

• Amy Srsic, University of Pittsburgh

• Elisabeth K. Hess Rice, The George Washington University