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The Influence of “Changing Directions” on the Self‐Esteem of a Delinquent Population in a Correctional Setting
Author(s) -
McGuffey Gwen,
Broner M. Bennet,
Smith T. Allen
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
juvenile and family court journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.155
H-Index - 19
eISSN - 1755-6988
pISSN - 0161-7109
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-6988.1990.tb00668.x
Subject(s) - juvenile delinquency , self esteem , promiscuity , psychology , juvenile , population , developmental psychology , substance use , clinical psychology , medicine , environmental health , ecology , biology , psychoanalysis
There is increasing evidence that low self‐esteem is a possible basis for risk‐taking behaviors such as substance abuse, sexual promiscuity, and juvenile delinquency. Thus, it has been hypothesized that by enhancing an adolescent̂s self‐image, a decrease in the incidence of such behaviors can be realized. The present study examines the effect of one secure juvenile facility's treatment program on adolescent self‐esteem. The findings reflect the program's effectiveness with regard to self‐esteem elevation. A follow‐up study, to determine whether this heightened self‐esteem is maintained and/or results in decreased delinquency is forthcoming .