Abstract:
There is a growing concern with the growth and prevalence of Juvenile
delinquents (JD) in rehabilitation centres in Kenya. Juvenile delinquency has become an
intricate social problem that significantly influences all members and processes of a social
structure. In January 2016, Eldoret Juvenile Remand Home alone had 155 juveniles which is
its full capacity. It is against this background that this study examined psychotherapeutic
interventions in behaviour modification of JD and recommended measures that would
increase the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions in rehabilitation centers of JDs
in Kenya. The purpose of the study was establish effect of life skills training and behaviour
modification of juvenile delinquents in Eldoret and Kakamega rehabs. The area of study was
Eldoret and Kakamega rehabs. The study adopted Glaser Psychological Reality Theory on
Maladaptive Behaviour and Merton Functional Theory of Juvenile Delinquency as the
theoretical framework. Further a conceptual framework was also used in the study. The study
used descriptive and explanatory research survey designs. The target population was
comprised of delinquents in Kakamega and Eldoret Rehabs, administrators, trainers and
counselors in the rehabs and probation officers. A sample size of 149 respondents comprising
of 127 JD, 13 trainers, 5 probation officers, 2 counselors and 2 administrators of the Eldoret
and Kakamega rehabs participated in the study. Saturated sampling catered for the
delinquents, probation officers, rehab administrators and trainers. Research instruments that
were used in this study included questionnaires, interview schedule and document analysis. A
Pilot study was carried out to ascertain validity and reliability of the instruments and a
reliability coefficient of 0.7 was deemed acceptable. Descriptive statistical tools and
inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Study findings showed that life skills
training had a positive and significant effect on behaviour modification. This implies that life
skills training is an important tool in bringing discipline among juvenile delinquents and for
overall rehabilitation programmes which can enhance behaviour modification. There is
therefore need for psychotherapeutic intervention at both individual and group level for
delinquents so that they can change their behaviour. There is thus need for life skill training
so as to reduce violence, aggression, and destructive behaviour in adolescents. Thus there is
need for psychotherapeutic interventions for behaviour modification of delinquents in Kenyan
rehabilitation centers.
