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ERIC Number: ED291854
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1987
Pages: 57
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Juvenile Delinquents, the Martial Arts, and Behavior Modification: An Experimental Study for Social Intervention.
Demoulin, Donald F.
Adolescents are particularly open to the influences of interventions that restructure their attitudes and self-concept. This study assesses the influence of martial arts training that incorporates a philosophy of life along with strict discipline. The hypothesis was that such training could positively influence juvenile delinquents and contribute to their rehabilitation. Martial arts training was given to 20 delinquent males. These juveniles, aged 12-17 years, were assessed on the following treatment variables: (1) therapeutic effects that occurred as they helped each other during interactive sessions of the training; (2) knowledge of martial arts gained through the training as reflected in their personal performance on tests; and (3) the attendance record of each participant. The dependent variable was the degree of improvement in the participants' feelings and actions. The findings confirmed the hypothesis. Other conclusions were the following: (1) the participants had a very realistic view of themselves and their performance; (2) the trainees who felt a greater sense of freedom to participate performed better; (3) the best environment for this training with these subjects is one that is strictly controlled and disciplined, and has reinforcement incentives; and (4) more research is needed in the area of assessing the performance of this type of subject. Copies of the questionnaire given to the trainees, and the proficiency tests and a five-page list of sources, are included. (VM)
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A