NCJ Number
111559
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 30 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1988) Pages: 145-163
Date Published
1988
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Christensen and Pass social interactional skills program on incarcerated male juvenile delinquents.
Abstract
Forty-three boys were randomly assigned to three groups; receiving either social interactional training, stress management training, or no treatment. The subjects in the training groups were randomly assigned to two independent teachers. Assessment devices used were the MMPI, and the Jesness Behaviour Checklist (JBC) Observer and Self-Appraisal forms. Posttest and six-week follow-up results indicated that delinquents who received training seemed to show greater improvement, on Hypomania (MMPI), Unobtrusiveness, Considerateness, Conformity, Insight, Social Control, Calmness, Anger Control (JBC Observer), and on Rapport and Conformity (JBC Self-Appraisal). A Multiple Comparison of Means test revealed that social interactional training resulted in significant improvements in social skills and decreases in observed and self-reported criminal activity. Another follow-up, 12-15 months after release, showed that the Social Interactional Group seemed to have had more documented successful community adjustment and less recidivism than the other groups. In summary, the present study supports the proposition that social interactional skills training has the potential for increasing social skills and reducing recidivism in incarcerated juvenile delinquents. (Author abstract)