Effect of Life Skills Training on Aggression of Adolescents with Conduct Problems and Delinquency Proneness

Abstract

Adolescence is a pivotal developmental stage characterized by significant emotional, social and behavioral changes. Adolescence is a transitional phase of growth and development between childhood and adulthood encompassing a wide range of rapidly changing behaviors, identity issues, and powerful emotions. They often experience heightened emotional and behavioral responses, which can manifest as aggression and contribute to broader behavioral issues. Conduct problems encompass a range of antisocial behaviors, from minor oppositional acts to severe aggression. Delinquency proneness refers to the likelihood of engaging in criminal activities. Life skills training is an intervention that can provide the skill necessary for successful living. Imparting life skills is the basic attempt that has to initiate for strengthening the behaviour of adolescents. The aim of present study was to investigate the relation of aggression with conduct problems and delinquency proneness among adolescents and the effectiveness of life skills training on aggression. The sample comprised 400 adolescents (200 boys and 200 girls), aged 12-18, selected randomly from Haryana. The findings of present research revealed that there was a significant positive correlation between aggression and conduct problems & delinquency proneness. Further, the results showed that the life skills training intervention significantly decreased aggression of the experimental group of adolescents(p<.01), while there was no change in the control group.