Effectiveness of life skills education on the mental health of juvenile offenders

A quasi-experimental study of Iranian youth

Datos Bibliográficos

ID13899296
AutoresSahar Esmaeili (0009-0002-9465-615X, University of Calgary), M Latifian (0000-0002-7595-2087, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, autor de correspondencia)
Año2025
Volumen30
Número1
Fecha de publicación2025-02-24
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Adolescence and Youth (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0267-3843 • E-ISSN: 2164-4527
EditorialTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02673843.2025.2470186
OpenAlexW4407874450
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas26

Juvenile offending is a significant societal issue, affecting both individuals and communities. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) study assessed the impact of Life Skills Education on the mental health of juvenile offenders in an Iranian Correction and Rehabilitation Center. Ninety-three juveniles participated, with 64 randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention, delivered by a trained social worker, aimed to improve mental health outcomes. Results showed significant improvements in the intervention group’s mental health (p < 0.001), including better physical health, reduced anxiety and insomnia, improved social functioning, and lower depression levels. These findings suggest that Life Skills Education is a practical and effective tool for enhancing mental health among juvenile offenders. By promoting resilience and social reintegration, this approach offers a valuable addition to rehabilitation programmes. Future research with larger samples and longer follow-ups is recommended to confirm these promising outcomes

Criminology · Developmental psychology · Juvenile · Juvenile delinquency · Life skills · Mental health · Pedagogy · Psychiatry · Applied Psychology · Clinical Psychology · Health and Well-being Studies · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Psychology · Resilience and Mental Health

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