Psychosocial influences that motivate young offenders to engage in a non-custodial community intervention

Abstract

Offender programmes do not fully consider how psychosocial factors influence individual engagement within interventions. While factors associated with offending behaviour are well-known, their influence on motivational engagement is not clear. The present study of 109 adolescent offenders in a non-custodial community intervention explored the influence of aggression, antisocial behaviour in the community, problematic and disruptive behaviour in school, and parental bonding and self-esteem on reported motivation to engage with a non-custodial intervention. Regression and correlational analysis revealed relationships between these variables and four subtypes of motivation (i.e. intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, identified regulation and amotivation), although results in respect of self-esteem were mixed. The findings highlight the multidimensional and complex nature of motivation, and support the need to internalise extrinsic motivations through the promotion of self-autonomy and competence within intervention programmes in order to maximise engagement.

Keywords:

• engagement
• intervention
• motivation
• offender rehabilitation
• young offenders

Acknowledgements

With thanks to Sherry Barrass and Lawrence Howard of the Lancashire Probation Service, and Graham Gregson and Andy Edwards for their help in facilitating access to the young people in the study.

Notes

1. Copies of the questionnaires can be obtained from the first author.