Transforming juvenile behavior through reward and punishment approaches

Abstract

Reward and punishment are approaches that have long been used to change an individual's behavior. Juveniles are individuals below predetermined aged involved in behaviors that are contrary to the laws of a country. These juveniles need a lengthy process in transforming their acts in reference to rehabilitation process. Thus, this paper examined the extent to which this rehabilitation process could succeed through reward and punishment in transforming the juveniles’ behaviors. This study comprised three case studies of chosen three rehabilitation schools in three different zones (North, central, and south). A total of 8 teachers, 3 counsellors, 3 school administrators, 3 social welfare workers, and 12 juveniles had agreed to be the respondents of this purposive sampling study. Meanwhile, the data was gathered through in-depth interviews and detailed observations on rehabilitation process. The result shows behavioral change among juveniles achievable through rewards and punishments. Indeed, the importance of implementing reward and punishment to assist the juvenile rehabilitation process in these studies’ context is undeniable.