Changes in Behavior Self-reported by Minors Residing in Youth Educational Centers
Changes in Behavior Self-reported by Minors Residing in Youth Educational Centers

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the effectiveness of social rehabilitation interventions targeted at minors residing in Youth Educational Centers (YECs). The issues addressed focus on the extent to which gender, age, and length of residence differentiated the changes that minors reported observing in their behavior since placement in youth educational centers. The study was conducted on a representative sample of 506 minors using a paper-and-pencil survey administered in direct contact with respondents. The results indicate that most minors observed changes in their behavior, with this tendency being particularly pronounced among girls. Respondents reported the greatest changes in their functioning in the roles of student and child, while considerably smaller changes were noted in the role of peer and in problem behaviors. Younger respondents reported changes in problem behaviors less frequently than older ones. Improvements in relations with parents and in school performance were more often reported by minors who had been in the institution for an average length of time. No age-related differences were found in respondents' functioning in the role of peer or in their engagement in problem behaviors. However, younger respondents were less likely than older ones to notice changes in their problem behaviors.

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