NCJ Number
171023
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 26 Issue: 3/4 Dated: (1998) Pages: 157-167
Date Published
1998
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study provided treatment for incarcerated males via Positive Peer Culture and pre- and post-tested on the Jesness Behavior Checklist.
Abstract
There is wide belief in a link between language disorders and emotional/behavioral disorders. In this study, 130 males, ages 14 to 18, who had been incarcerated in a residential treatment center between 4 and 15 months, received treatment via Positive Peer Culture (PPC) and were pre- and post-tested on the Jesness Behavior Checklist. Scores on the Communication vs. Inarticulateness scale indicated that the youths' perception of their communication abilities had changed. Variables analyzed were length of stay, age upon leaving the program, number of school problems and I.Q. scores. PPC may rehabilitate incarcerated youths' language deficits because of the high level of group interaction in the therapy. Youths are required to express feelings and perceptions and listen to responses from other group members. Some researchers further suggest a direct, positive correlation between improvement in communication and improvement in emotional/behavioral problems. Tables, references, notes