The Effectiveness of Positive Thinking Intervention Program on Happiness and Irrational Beliefs of Delinquent Adolescents

Authors

1 M.A in Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children Department, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Distinguished Professor, Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children Department, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The aim of this study was investigating effect of positive thinking intervention on happiness and irrational beliefs of delinquent adolescents. The study population included modification and training institute for delinquent adolescents of Tehran. The study sample consisted of 30 subjects (in the experimental group, n=15 and control group n=15), and were selected using random sampling. Experimental group received 8 sessions – 90 minute per session- of positive thinking. All subjects using the scale Oxford Happiness Inventory, Jones Irrational Belief Test were assessed. Multivariate analysis of covariance method was used. The results showed that there were significant difference between happiness in experimental and control groups. So effect of optimism on irrational beliefs in experimental group was significant. Also the overall score of irrational beliefs was significantly reduced in adolescents who participated in the experimental group than in the control group.  Positive thinking skill training method can be used as an efficient way to increase positive thinking in delinquent adolescents.so it can lead to increasing happiness.

Keywords