Effective intervention programs play a fundamental role in reducing rates of juvenile delinquency. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that is strongly supported by research (ACT, 2010). Moral Kombat (MK) is an intervention that combines character-building and CBT concepts in programs for at-risk and delinquent juveniles with the goal to change their belief systems, thus improving their behaviors (Marchant, 2009). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the extent to which MK incorporates the principles identified in the literature as necessary for a CBT program to be successful. The occurrences of the 11 CBT principles identified in the literature found in the MK participant manuals were counted. MK appears to be a structurally sound program that has the potential to help participants but includes barriers to success such as resistance due to compelled attendance, social factors, costs, and inability to meet participant-specific therapy needs.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-2532 |
| Date | 17 August 2011 |
| Creators | McGowan, Thelma Deneen |
| Publisher | Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University |
| Source Sets | East Tennessee State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Electronic Theses and Dissertations |
| Rights | Copyright by the authors. |
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