Transitions of young people identified as showing social, emotional and behavioural difficulties from education to adult life : a person-centred approach

Abstract

A systematic literature review was conducted to report on outcomes for young people identified as showing social emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD). The review focused on studies conducted in the United Kingdom due to variation in international definitions of SEBD. Complexities surrounding the terms associated with SEBD are highlighted. Qualitative and quantitative papers included in this review were located through systematic searches of electronic databases and grey literature. I used an integrative synthesis method (Dixon-Woods et al, 2005) to amalgamate data from the papers included in the review into a textual narrative synthesis. A number of recurring themes were identified. Themes suggest relatively poor outcomes for these young people in terms of education, employment and crime. A salient theme was poor transitions from education to adult life and the need for further support during this time. Implications for research and limitations of the review are discussed.