Effectiveness of Group Counseling Based on Solution-Oriented Approach on Adjustment and Mental Health of Juvenile Delinquents

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical period of life, and delinquent adolescents are exposed to many psychological traumas. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of solution-based treatment on adjustment and mental health of juvenile delinquents in Tehran. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test post-test design with the control group. The study's statistical population included juvenile delinquents aged 14-18 years in Tehran Correction and Rehabilitation Center in 2018-2019; so 24 were selected by available sampling method and then randomly in two experimental and control groups (12 people in each group) were replaced. Mental health, adjustment, and delinquency attitude questionnaires were used to collect information. The experimental group underwent a solution-oriented group consultation for eight sessions of 90 minutes once a week, and the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance. The results showed that solution-oriented treatment significantly affects delinquent adolescents' adjustment and mental health. Present study results can be used theoretically and practically by counselors, psychologists, and relevant organizations.

Keywords

• solution-focused therapy
• mental health
• adaptation
• juvenile delinquents