Dr. Stephen Ellenbogen is a recent graduate from McGill University’s School of Social Work. Specializing in adolescence and youth issues, he has authored publications on diverse topics such as school dropout, bereavement, and gambling. He has extensive community work and outreach work experience, helping youth in care, homeless, unemployed, and other at-risk populations. For his doctoral dissertation, Dr. Ellenbogen explored the relationship child maltreatment, adjustment indicators, and later aggression problems. Some key findings were that maltreated youth were more likely to report aggressive behavior if they (1) were the victim of severe and frequent physical abuse, (2) held pessimistic biases concerning the outcome of aggression, and (3) reported low levels of guiltless shame related to their abusive experiences.
Contact Information
McGill University, School of Social Work
3506 University St.
Montreal, PQ, H3A 2A7
tel #: 514 398-6656
fax #: 514 398-5287
e-mail: stephen [dot] ellenbogen [at] mcgill [dot] ca
Current activities
Evaluation of Family TIES program
A family-centred intervention geared to help youth with aggression and anger-related problems is undergoing a systematic assessment. The current study investigates whether there is evidence of positive change in both parents and youth participants from the time they start the program to their last follow-up, which takes place 12-13 weeks later. Preliminary results are encouraging, as a reduction in aggression and improvements in social skills and family functioning were reported.
Client satisfaction survey
The goal of this study is to assess whether Batshaw Youth and Family Service (BYFS) clients receiving Alternative Measures (placement not considered) are satisfied with the intervention plan and with the services they receive. This project involves the creation of a questionnaire, the administration of a telephone survey, an analysis of the data, and the creation of an interpretation guide. Satisfaction surveys for other BYFS clients and concerning other BYFS activities are planned.
Portrait of BYFS neglect clients
A portrait of neglect clients using qualitative and quantitative techniques is being gathered. In a series of focus groups, BYFS caseworkers and managers are asked for their perspective on neglect and the risk and protective factors that are most common to this group. Drawing from their responses and the research literature on neglect, a questionnaire will be created. Workers will complete a questionnaire for each client in their caseload in which neglect is a reported issue (alinea).
Typology of youths with gambling problems
The goal of this project is to assess a theoretical model depicting three pathways in which gambling problems develop in youth. Information on the personality, family history, and other details was gathered from a community sample of adolescents. A cluster analysis was performed on a subsample of youth reporting gambling problems. The results generally support the pathways model but refinements are suggested.