Impact of mindfulness-based therapy on psychological characteristics of juveniles in conflict with law in India

BACKGROUND: According to National Crime Records Bureau, India, there has been a significant increase in criminal activities among juvenile over the past 3 years, especially in Uttar Pradesh in comparison to other Northern States. Various management strategies have been undertaken for such adolescents. However, there is a lack of management strategies in the Indian context for juvenile in conflict with law. Thus, this research work aims to see the effect of mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) on juveniles in conflict with law and not in conflict with law. AIM: The aim of the study was to see the effect of MBT on juveniles in conflict with law and not in conflict with law; to assess and compare the effect of MBT on their temperament, aggression, emotional quotient, and social quotient; and to see the effect of MBT on their level of mindfulness. METHODOLOGY: A total 25 adolescents of 13–19 years of age, both genders, literate and illiterate belonging from rural and urban population were included for the study. Among these, 17 juveniles in conflict with law were taken from District Child Protection Unit and eight juveniles not in conflict with law were taken from general adolescent population. After explaining the purpose of the study and attaining the consent from guardians, assessment was done using different psychological tools. MBT was used for the management. The pre-postresearch design was used. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Results obtained in this study are suggestive of that MBT is a fruitful management technique for juveniles in conflict with law serving in observation homes as well as for juveniles not in conflict with law.