The design of a choice awareness program for delinquent youth and its effects upon their choices, self-concept, and locus of control
Abstract
The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) to develop and implement a program, the CREST Program, for adjudicated juveniles, that could empirically demonstrate a positive effect on their awareness of the choices they make, the subsequent consequences of their choices, and a positive influence on the related characteristics of locus of control and self-concept; (2) to examine the qualitative nature of the choices that these youth felt they had available to them both pre- and post-program; and (3) to examine if there was a parallel effect on the awareness of choices and the consequences of choices on the program facilitators as a result of their training for and facilitation of the program. The CREST Program was designed for a correctional institution for adolescent males in the state of Indiana. The methodology of the study utilized early and delayed treatment groups, ETG and DTG respectively. A total of 67 youth were involved: N = 33 in the ETG and N = 34 in the DTG. ETG facilitators were trained in the program and then implemented the program with the cottages chosen for the early treatment group. At the completion of the ETG, quantitative measures of self-concept, locus of control, and choice awareness were administered to both the ETG and the DTG, and qualitative structured interviews were conducted with a sample of the youth participants, four from the ETG and four from the DTG. Also, structured interviews were conducted with ETG and DTG staff facilitators. Finally, the DTG facilitators were trained and the program was implemented with the cottages chosen for delayed treatment. The results of the quantitative analysis indicated that there were no significant differences between the ETG and DTG with respect to the dependent variables of locus of control, self-concept, quantity of choices, and overall quality of choices. The results indicated that there was a difference between the two treatment groups with respect to the quality of their choices in certain situations, particularly those involving anger and frustration and caring. The qualitative results indicated that The CREST Program had an impact on the youth's awareness of choices. The ETG were aware that they had many choices available to them and aware that making a choice is a process, a process which involves stopping, thinking and then choosing, rather than simply reacting. More specifically, they gained in the areas of caring and sorrowing choices. They would choose to respond to the needs of others, to talk through their own hurt feelings, and not "overdo" when responding to their feelings of anger. Also, from the facilitators' perspective, the CREST Program was beneficial to the youth because it helped them gain a greater understanding of choices and could lay the ground work for other programs.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Nelson, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Academic guidance counseling|Criminology
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.