NCJ Number
159927
Journal
Adolescence Volume: 30 Issue: 119 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 565-578
Date Published
1995
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study explored the relationship between perceived control and treatment outcomes with chronic adolescent offenders who exhibited internalizing or externalizing behavioral problems.
Abstract
Upon commitment to the State training school, each student is placed in an admissions cottage for 2 weeks for the purpose of initial evaluation and orientation. Once a student is placed in a regular cottage, he is evaluated further and is assigned to participate in weekly individual or group therapy, depending on the presenting mental health problem. In addition to psychotherapy and academic intervention, the campus operates a behavior-management system. The study includes data gathered over a 1-year period. The measures used were the Child Behavior Checklist, the Multidimensional Measure of Children's Perceptions of Control, Perceived Contingency Behavioral Domain Scale, and the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale. Adolescent offenders with externalizing behavior problems, such as aggression, showed a more favorable treatment outcome when they attributed overall successes to their own behavior and when they viewed themselves as worried or anxious. They showed a less favorable treatment outcome when they viewed themselves as generally happy. Adolescent offenders with internalizing behavior problems, such as anxiety or depression, tended to show less favorable treatment outcomes when they viewed themselves as being high in physical competence and when they attributed failures to themselves. 2 tables and 41 references