Nieuwe Perspectieven in Onderzoek

Abstract

This study investigated the long-term effectiveness of the prevention program New Perspective (NP) among adolescents. The aim of NP is to prevent adolescents from developing persistent criminal behavior. This study examined delinquent behavior, cognitive distortions and the moderating effect of ethnic background. The study is based on an existing database from a previous research among these at-risk youth. In the previous study the adolescents were randomly assigned to NP or care as usual (CAU). In total 19 adolescents (NP, n = 12, CAU, n = 7) responded on the recall for the fifth measurement. Self-report data were collected to assess delinquent behavior and cognitive distortions. The data of the primary outcomes (delinquent behavior and cognitive distortions) were analyzed with MANOVA’s. Ethnic background (used as a covariate) was analyzed with a MANCOVA. The results showed no significant difference between NP and CAU. Ethnic background did not appear to moderate the effects of NP. The conclusion of this study is that there is no difference between NP and CAU on delinquent behavior and cognitive distortions. Future research should include more participants, so the outcome can be more generalized. Furthermore, future research should focus on the program integrity.