NCJ Number
94040
Journal
Adolescence Volume: 19 Issue: 73 Dated: (Spring 1984) Pages: 113-122
Date Published
1984
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper presents results from research on a model of outpatient psychoeducation for juvenile delinquents. For 2 of the 4 years, empirical data suggested increased ego strengths, less impulsivity, and improved social skills.
Abstract
The Getting It Together (GIT) program came about as a response to the challenge of using psychoeducational intervention in an outpatient setting. GIT was a program for adolescent delinquents between 15 and 17 years old. Major adolescent needs addressed included improved self-esteem, increased socially mature behavior, improved communication with authority figures, self-control, more adequate job skills, and more positive values. Researchers identified resistance to treatment, lack of motivation, and denial of feelings as conflict areas that could complicate training. Program participants were initially teenagers of both sexes. Males consistently outnumbered females. In the second and third years, two nondelinquent teenaged volunteers joined. Emphasis was on empathy for others, on ways to achieve interpersonal objectives, and on understanding, support, and recognition needs. Many participants introduced problems for discussion, and almost all displayed a need to discuss interpersonal problems. The therapists felt that the kinds of problems most amenable to this kind of training included family conflict, impaired peer relationships, inappropriate verbal aggression, and various sexual problems. Of the participants who benefited most, the majority were those with immaturity problems or neurotic features. One of the major differences between this class and many social skills training classes was the inclusion of affective education, which provided an integrated framework normally missing in many social skills programs. Eighteen references are included.