Authors : Nasir Rohany, Zamani Zainah Ahmad, Khairudin Rozainee and W.S. Wan Shahrazad
Abstract: Adolescents’ social and psychological problems relating to juvenile delinquents revolve around factors such as personality and cognitive constructs and family dynamics. The objectives of this study were to ascertain the background characteristics of juvenile delinquents and to determine relationships between family functioning, self-concept, self-esteem and cognitive distortion. Participants were 316 males and females between 12-18 years old from six rehabilitation and correctional centers in Malaysia. A set of questionnaires comprising background characteristics, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES III), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Tennessee Self-Concept (TSC) and Cognitive Distortion Scale (CDS) was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Results showed that >30% of the participants had committed violent offences and there were correlations between family functioning, self-concept, self-esteem and cognitive distortions. Family involvement and family counselling are suggested for effective treatment of delinquents and for the prevention of recidivism.
Nasir Rohany, Zamani Zainah Ahmad, Khairudin Rozainee and W.S. Wan Shahrazad, 2011. Family Functioning, Self-Esteem, Self-Concept and Cognitive Distortion Among Juvenile Delinquents. The Social Sciences, 6: 155-163.