Which psychological framework is often applied in juvenile rehabilitation?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is frequently utilized in juvenile rehabilitation due to its focus on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This framework helps juveniles identify and modify negative thought patterns that contribute to maladaptive behaviors, which is particularly beneficial in addressing issues such as aggression, substance abuse, and delinquency.

CBT is structured and goal-oriented, making it suitable for the needs of young individuals, who often respond well to practical strategies. It emphasizes skill development, including coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills, empowering the youth to make positive changes in their lives. The approach is based on the idea that by changing their thought processes, individuals can alter their emotional state and behaviors, which is essential in the rehabilitation context.

Other psychological frameworks, while valuable in various contexts, may not have the same direct applicability in juvenile rehabilitation as CBT. For instance, psychodynamic theory focuses more on unconscious processes and early experiences, which may not be as directly actionable for immediate behavioral change. Humanistic psychology promotes personal growth and self-actualization but may not provide the structured interventions that CBT does. Behaviorism centers on observable behaviors and while it can be useful, it may lack the depth needed to address underlying cognitive processes compared to CBT.