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.

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

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