The effect of moral reconation therapy on adolescents in a group home setting
- WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Ashley Jane Evans (Creator)
- Institution
- Western Carolina University (WCU )
- Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
- Advisor
- Candace Boan-Lenzo
Abstract: A variety of risk factors have been found to contribute to juvenile delinquency and
offending; it is important to consider these factors in prevention and intervention.
Rehabilitation and treatment is one approach for addressing the growing concern of
juvenile offending. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a promising treatment approach for
offenders. Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) is a cognitive-behavioral group therapy,
designed to rehabilitate offenders and reduce recidivism. The current study explores the
effects of Moral Reconation Therapy on adolescents in a group home setting. Participants
included 15 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17, residing in a group home in the
Southeastern region of the United States. The Behavior Assessment System for Children,
Second Edition (BASC-2) was used as a pre-test and post-test measure to assess
participants’ self-reported changes in Locus of Control, Social Stress, Anxiety,
Depression, Sense of Inadequacy, Sensation Seeking, Relations with Parents,
Interpersonal Relations, Self-Esteem and Self-Reliance. Overall results indicated that
significant changes existed between pre-test and post-test measures in the areas of Locus
of Control, Depression and Relations with Parents. Significant changes were also noted in
the areas of Anxiety, Sense of Inadequacy and Self-Reliance, based on factors including
the number of MRT Steps completed, type of offense committed, family disagreement
factors, length of time spent in the program, and reported family problems. Recidivism data was available on 8 of the 15 participants; rates were found to be significantly below
the state average for juvenile recidivism.
The effect of moral reconation therapy on adolescents in a group home setting
PDF (Portable Document Format)
305 KB
Created on 8/1/2011
Views: 26468
Additional Information
- Publication
- Other
- Language: English
- Date: 2011
- Keywords
- Adolescents, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Group home, Juvenile delinquency, Recidivism
- Subjects
- Juvenile delinquents -- Rehabilitation
- Cognitive therapy
- Group psychotherapy
- Group homes for teenagers