Psychological Interventions and Their Effect on Behaviour Modification Among Juvenile Delinquents: A Case Of Eldoret And Kakamega Rehabs, Kenya

Abstract

There is a growing concern with the growth and prevalence of Juvenile delinquents (JD) in rehabilitation centres in Kenya. Juvenile delinquency has become an intricate social problem that significantly influences all members and processes of a social structure. In January 2016, Eldoret Juvenile Remand Home alone had 155 juveniles which is its full capacity. It is against this background that this study sought to investigate the effects of psychological interventions in behaviour modification of JD and recommended measures that would increase the effectiveness of psychological interventions in rehabilitation centres of JDs in Kenya. Specific objectives of the study were to: find out the effect of counselling on behaviour modification of JD in Eldoret and Kakamega rehabs; establish the effect of life skills training and behaviour modification of juvenile delinquents in Eldoret and Kakamega rehabs, assess effect of sports program on behaviour modification of juvenile delinquents in Eldoret and Kakamega rehabs and examine the effect of provision of care and behaviour modification of juvenile delinquents in Eldoret and Kakamega rehabs. The area of study was Eldoret and Kakamega rehabs. The study adopted Glaser Psychological Reality Theory on Maladaptive Behaviour and Merton Functional Theory of Juvenile Delinquency as the theoretical framework. Further a conceptual framework was also used in the study. The study used descriptive and ex post facto research survey designs. The target population was comprised of delinquents in Kakamega and Eldoret Rehabs, administrators, trainers and counsellors in the rehabs and probation officers. A sample size of 149 respondents comprising of 127 JD, 13 trainers, 5 probation officers, 2 counsellors and 2 administrators of the Eldoret and Kakamega rehabs participated in the study. Census sampling was used to cater for the delinquents, probation officers, rehab administrators and trainers. Research instruments that were used in this study included questionnaires, interview schedule and document analysis. A Pilot study was carried out to ascertain validity and reliability of the instruments and a reliability coefficient of .7 was deemed acceptable. Descriptive statistical tools and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Study findings showed that counselling, life skills training and sports program have a positive and significant effect on behaviour modification. However, provision of care has a significant negative effect on behaviour modification. This implies that counselling, life skills training and sports program are important tools in bringing discipline among juvenile delinquents and for overall rehabilitation programmes which can enhance behaviour modification. There is therefore need for psychological interventions at both individual and group level for delinquents so that they can change their behaviour. There is thus need for life skill training so as to reduce violence, aggression, and destructive behaviour in adolescents. It is therefore utmost necessary to avail sporting activities whenever they are needed. Sports policies should consider the nature of consequences expected of sports. Thus there is need for psychological interventions for behaviour modification of delinquents in Kenyan rehabilitation centres.