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    An evaluation of a differential classification system for young offenders : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1984) Beaumont, Graeme
    The aim of the present study was to examine the application and utility of the Quay and Parsons (1971) differential classification system for the classification of young offenders, in a New Zealand sample. It was also proposed to examine the construct validity of this system, by relating its subcategories to various psychological dimensions. Sixty-five consecutive new admissions to the Manawatu Youth Institution were administered the Quay and Parsons (1971) classification system. Each subject also completed the Standard Progressive Matrices, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised, the Neuroticism Scale Questionnaire, the Machiavellianism Scale, a Role-taking task and the Rosenzweig Picture Frustration Study. Results on the above measures were mixed, with research based expectations being confirmed on some dimensions but not on others. Overall there were greater similarities between the three young offender subcategories, than there were differences between them. There was no strong support, therefore, for the construct validity of this system for a New Zealand sample. Social, cognitive and psychological characteristics of the sample as a whole were identified, however, and the relevance of these to possible treatment changes are discussed. On the basis of this study the incorporation of the Quay and Parsons (1971) system into existing classification procedures is not recommended without further refinement and research being conducted with it.
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    "You can't leave your life to chance" : transitioning from offending in emerging adults : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2017) Chong, May-Lee A
    There is currently limited very research about how emerging adult’s transition out of crime. This study interviewed nine emerging adults who successfully transitioned out of crime by the age of 25. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. The data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Participants described their experience of transition as a build-up of distress combined with reasons to stop, shifts in perceptions around offending and their identity, a challenging process that they felt fortunate to have accomplished, a noticeable improvement in their lives and ongoing temptation or thoughts about offending. The results suggested three main findings; that the process of desistance is similar in emerging adults and adult populations, that there could be a universal mechanism of change underlying all behaviour, and that control theories may better explain desistance behaviour than dominant models of behaviour change such as the transtheoretical model of change.
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    Where do they go? : a national review of current centrally funded treatment options for antisocial behaviours in New Zealand youth : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Masters in Public Policy at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2005) Bergquist, Roy Leonard
    Treatment of antisocial behaviour in adolescents is a matter for debate in this country. Many of the methods used historically, such as residential care, in general appear to be unsuccessful and have not helped the steady increase in numbers needing treatment. A paradigm shift away from the benefits of residential care and institutionalising is evident with the emergence of more family/community-based models of treatment. Maori and Pacific youth statistically are over-represented in this group of young people. Is this reflected in the type of treatment programmes available and is this client group being catered for culturally? This thesis looks at the options currently available nationally for the treatment of antisocial behaviours in youth. Where do they go, and what happens when they get there? New Zealand studies of treatment options currently available and their effectiveness are rare. This thesis interviews treatment providers nationally then discusses the themes and policy implications in focus groups in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. It is clearly shown that this group of young people are dealt with by a large number of sectors and organisations, often with a lack of a co-ordinated approach. Taking a phenomenological approach to the inquiry, the investigation utilised participant observation, semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The research is significant as it adds to research on 'intervention' in this field in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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    The impact of school-based Aggression Replacement Training on emotion regulation and aggressive behaviour : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2014) Smith, Freya
    This research evaluates the effectiveness and implementation of Aggression Replacement Training (ART) with a group of New Zealand (NZ) students aged 13-15 years (n=18). Aggression is a significant problem in NZ schools and despite recent progress with school-wide and individually targeted interventions, there are few evaluations of interventions with these adolescents. Deficient emotion regulation is a major risk factor in youth aggression. Although emotion regulation skills are targeted by many aggression interventions, outcome measures less frequently assess these skills than other social information processing abilities. This thesis links research evidence of the role of emotion in aggression, to the techniques taught in ART, to support the hypothesis that ART improves emotion regulation and reduces aggression. Analyses of the change in mean group scores and individual-level analyses indicate improvements in ART participants’ emotion regulation, anger control and social skills over the course of intervention and follow-up. These analyses also indicate reductions in ART participants’ externalising, problem behaviours and cognitive distortions. These findings support the use of ART as effective in reducing the risk of aggressive behaviour, and as an alternative to exclusionary discipline, in NZ schools. ART appears to be culturally acceptable and may offer a less resource intensive intervention than individual intervention plans. Keywords: aggression, emotion regulation, adolescence, social information processing, aggression replacement training.
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    Drifting towards moral chaos : the 1954 Mazengarb Report, a moral panic over juvenile immorality : a thesis completed in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Education at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1988) Soler, Janet
    This study investigates the concern over 'juvenile immorality' which began in early July 1954 and lasted until October the same year, when the recommendations made by the Mazengarb Report were passed by the House of Representatives. The 1954 Mazengarb Report and the events which surrounded it are analysed using sociological models of 'moral panic'. Such an approach provides the opportunity to examine a societal reaction to juvenile immorality and delinquency. It also allows an evaluation of the contributing groups and the processes which escalate public concern and facilitate the perception of a particular group of adolescents as a threat to society. The evaluation of the Mazengarb Report and the public reaction which preceded it presupposes a particular theoretical perspective. The development of the concept of moral panic is outlined, and the application of this theoretical model to historical research is critiqued. The study explores the local context which gave rise to the deviant behaviour, the role of the media in escalating public concern, the role of the 'campaigners' and 'defendants', and the legislative outcomes. It is concluded that the public concern over juvenile immorality in mid 1954 reflects the general structure of a moral panic as outlined in sociological models.