DELINQUENTS IN GROUP THERAPY

This article focuses on delinquents in group therapy. Similarities of life style among deliquents, common operating methods and similar images of their inner and outer world emerge in a group therapy setting that includes two adult authority persons acting as joint leaders. The emerging picture serves to highlight areas of agreement among delinquents and to offer suggestions for effective therapeutic techniques. While we have achieved some success in fostering group interaction, participants have not moved very far toward the goal of discussing dynamically significant problems, such as psychosexual conflicts, for example. In parallel individual sessions, on the other hand, they do discuss such matters. Group outings and refreshments have not proved particularly effective in promoting group cohesion. Referral for group or individual therapy before the delinquent has become launched on a long-standing pattern of antisocial behavior, which in turn depends on the relationship established with co-operating court workers, also seems to be of major importance in promoting a course of effective treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)