Cognitive Mediators of Aggression in Adolescent Offenders: 2. Intervention

A 12-session intervention program, based on a model of social-cognitive development, was designed to remediate cognitive factors identified as correlates of aggression ( Slaby & Guerra, 1988 ). 120 male and female adolescents incarcerated for aggression offenses participated in either the cognitive mediation training program, an attention control group, or a no-treatment group. Compared with Ss in both control groups, Ss in the treatment group showed increased skills in solving social problems, decreased endorsement of beliefs supporting aggression, and decreased aggressive, impulsive, and inflexible behaviors, as rated by staff. Posttest aggression was directly related to change in cognitive factors. No group differences were detected for number of parole violators up to 24 months after release. The ways in which changes in cognitive skills and beliefs may mediate changes in aggressive behavior are discussed.