Treatment Effectiveness in Young Male Offenders

Abstract

This research addressed the issue of effectiveness of psychological treatment for behavior problem boys. From adolescent boys accepted by the St. Francis Homes, low-intensive and high-intensive treatment groups and a stay-at-home group were identified. Following treatment, boys who could be contacted were evaluated on a socialized coping score which summarizes both desirable and undesirable behaviors. Comparisons supported the hypothesis that high-intensive treatment is more effective than low-intensive treatment, but was counter to the hypothesis that the stay-athome group would cope least well. Additional discussion involved alternatives to control group strategies for demonstrating treatment effectiveness.