The impact of sports-based aggression replacement training of juvenile offenders: A randomized controlled study

• Published in: Children and youth services review 2024-08, Vol.163, p.107812, Article 107812
• Main Authors: Lok, Neslihan, Bademli, Kerime, Temel, Veysel, Lok, Sefa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anger management; Social skills; Sports-based aggression replacement training; Well-being
• ISSN: 0190-7409
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.107812

This study evaluates the Sports-Based Aggression Replacement Training Program, which integrates principles of aggression replacement, social skills training, and physical activity within a structured sporting context. Sports-Based Aggression Replacement Training Program aims to enhance anger management, social skills, and well-being among juvenile offenders. A randomized controlled trial with a pre-test post-test design was conducted at the Children’s Education House in Turkey, involving delinquent children aged 12–18. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, receiving the Sports-Based Aggression Replacement Training Program, or the control group. Data collection tools included the Adolescent Anger Assessment Scale, the Social Skills Inventory, and the Five-Dimensional Well-Being Model for Adolescents. Results indicated significant improvements in anger management, social skills, and well-being levels among participants in the experimental group. These findings align with existing literature on the benefits of aggression replacement training and sports participation in enhancing prosocial behaviors and psychosocial well-being. Despite the study’s strengths, including its randomized controlled design, limitations such as sample size and demographic specificity may affect generalizability. Future research should replicate these findings in larger, more diverse populations and explore long-term effects, as well as incorporate qualitative methods for deeper insights.