The Effect of a Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Program for Male Young Delinquents in Guangzhou: A Pilot Study

Pro-criminal attitudes and inefficiency in social skills or problem-solving skills are associated with criminal conducts. Targeting on these factors, Cognitive-Behavior Treatment (CBT) programs are effective interventions for adult and young offenders. However, the effectiveness of CBT programs in Chinese correctional facilities is unknown. The present study, as a pilot one, evaluates a CBT program consisting of six sessions to treat young delinquents in South China. In Guangzhou, 60 male delinquents were divided into experimental and comparison group. Problem-solving skills, social skills and pro-criminal attitudes were measured and compared before and after the program for both groups. Measured by Social Maladjustment Scale (SOC) and General Self-efficacy Scale (GSES), the experimental group showed significant improvements in social skills and problem solving skills, while those of the comparison group remained constant. The results of the pilot study were encouraging and demonstrating the potential of CBT programs to be effective treatment for young delinquents in South China. Implications for future research and cross-cultural generability of CBT are discussed.