Why Schools Misunderstand Behaviour

When I was asked to support a school in crisis, the story everyone was telling centred around two children. The belief was simple: if we could fix their behaviour, everything else would improve. But what I found was something very different.

In this episode of Between Two Psychs, I share how I worked with a primary school where staff were on the verge of burnout, leadership had broken down, morale was low, and relationships had become fractured. Rather than focusing on changing the children, I explain why I became curious about the whole system and how small changes across the school created lasting impact.

I take you through the psychological theories that informed my work, including systems theory, self-determination theory, attachment theory, and social identity theory. I also explain why recognising people's strengths, giving staff the opportunity to contribute, and building stronger relationships helped create a more stable environment for both adults and children.

In This Episode, I Explore

• Why behaviour rarely exists in isolation.
• How systems theory helps us understand the bigger picture.
• How recognising and using staff strengths can change a school system.
• How motivation, relationships and identity influence behaviour and school culture.
• Why relationships and emotional regulation are central to learning.

Why This Episode Matters

Psychology isn't something I just study, it's something I live. In this episode, I share how applying psychology across a whole school helped move staff from blame to problem-solving and created a more connected, stable environment where children could learn and adults could thrive.

🎧 Listen now to discover why, if you want to change behaviour, you first need to understand the system that's producing it.

I’d love to hear your thoughts:

• Which of these psychological theories resonates most with your own experience?

• How could you apply these ideas in your own school or workplace

Episode Sponsor

This episode of Between Two Psychs is proudly sponsored by Sanctuary Personnel.

As a specialist recruitment partner across psychology services, education, social care, and healthcare, Sanctuary Personnel is dedicated to connecting talented professionals with organisations that truly value expertise. Their consultative approach means they understand the sectors they serve and the challenges faced by professionals across the UK.

If you're looking to strengthen your team or elevate your own career, visit https://www.sanctuarypersonnel.com
You can also reach out directly to Kamruz Zaman at https://www.sanctuarypersonnel.com/consultants/kamruz-zaman/ and Suzi Couszins at https://www.sanctuarypersonnel.com/consultants/suzi-couszins/

Connect with Me (Dr Adam McCartney)

Instagram: @‌dradammcartney
Website: dradammccartney.com
YouTube: @‌Dr.AdamMcCartney