The Effects of the Growing Pro-Social Program on Early Maladaptive Schemas and Schema-Related Emotions in Male Young Offenders: A Nonrandomized Trial. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rijo, Daniel; Miguel, Rita Ramos; Paulo, Marlene; Brazão, Nélio
• Is Part Of: International journal of offender therapy and comparative criminology. Volume 64:Number 13/14(2020)
• Page Start: 1422
• Page End: 1442
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: clinical trials -- early maladaptive schemas -- disruptive emotions -- Growing Pro-Social Program -- male young offenders; Criminals -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Criminal psychology -- Periodicals; Violent offenders -- Periodicals; Sex offenders -- Periodicals; Criminology -- Periodicals; 364.3
• DOI: 10.1177/0306624X20912988
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-624X

Abstract

This study aimed to test the effects of a 25-session version of the Growing Pro-Social (GPS-25) program over schemas and schema-related emotions in male young offenders. Participants included 123 youth aged between 14 and 19 years, placed in eight Portuguese detention facilities. Youth were allocated to receive GPS ( n = 63) or treatment as usual ( n = 60), and answered a self-report measure assessing schemas and schema-related emotions at baseline and posttreatment. Two-factor mixed multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA; group change) and the Reliable Change Index (individual change) revealed nonsignificant differences between groups for the schema's endorsement. Significant differences between groups were found for the schema-related emotions: Treatment participants presented lower scores and/or higher clinical improvements after GPS, when compared with controls. GPS-25 produced change at an emotional level but not in schema's endorsement, suggesting that longer interventions should be tested in their capability to promote cognitive and emotional change in young offenders.