Teachers' Causal Attributions for Behaviour Problems and Perceived Efficacy for Class Management in Relation to Selected Interventions

Abstract

The general aim of this study was to examine the predictive value of both teachers' causal attributions for behavior problems and perceived efficacy for class management for forms of intervention used in the classroom and cooperations preferred in order to get help for students' problem behaviour. Primary school teachers (N = 249) were asked to rate 12 factors as the possible cause of the behaviour problem described in a vignette, and evaluate 19 statements referring to the intervention strategies they would use, as well as the cooperations they would prefer in order to respond effectively to the problem in the vignette. They also completed an 8-item questionnaire measuring perceived efficacy for class management. The teachers' responses were found to be associated with their teaching experience. Both causal attributions for behaviour problems and perceived efficacy for class management predicted specific interventions. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for future research and teacher education.