An Application of Cognitive-Behavior Principles in the Reduction of Aggression Among Abused African American Adolescents

Abstract

This study examined the difference between a cognitive-behavior therapeutic approach and an indirect therapeutic approach on the reduction of aggression among abused African American adolescents. The sample consisted of 12 males (age 12 to 16) living in a group home under the protective services of local authority. Participants received psychological treatment over a 52-week period. All participants received indirect therapy during the pretest phase of treatment (1 to 26 weeks). During the posttest phase (27 to 52 weeks), half of the participants were provided cognitive-behavior therapy (skilled group), and the remaining half received indirect therapy (nonskilled group). As predicted, results showed a greater decrease in aggressive behaviors for adolescents trained in cognitive-behavior techniques than for those who received indirect therapy. A major implication is that specific cognitive-behaviorally based interventions can be an effective and promising treatment for aggression reduction among African American youth with a history of abuse.

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