Prediction of behavioral activation system based on psychological distress and impulsivity of juvenile delinquents

Abstract

Purpose: One of the most important problems and social harms in different societies is the phenomenon of delinquency. Adolescence is one of the most critical periods in a person's life. Entering this stage, the teenager faces many problems. Therefore, the aim of the current research was to predict the behavioral activation system based on the psychological distress and impulsivity of juvenile delinquents.
Method: The current research was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive and correlational in terms of method. The statistical population of the present study included all delinquent teenagers aged 12 to 18 in 2023 who have committed illegal acts at least once. Therefore, the sample size of the research was determined based on Kilne (2016) 300 people. For the purpose of sampling, the statistical sample of the research was selected using the targeted and available sampling method by referring or sending the questionnaire form to the relevant centers. The tools used to collect information included Barat's Impulsivity Scale (1994), Kessler's Psychological Distress Scale (2002) and Jackson's Revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Scale (2009).
 Findings: The results of regression analysis showed that independent variables (psychological distress and impulsivity) have 20% ability to predict behavioral activation system. Also, among the independent variables, impulsivity with a beta coefficient of 0.24 and psychological distress with a beta coefficient of 0.20 can positively predict the subjects' behavioral activation system (p < 0.01).
 Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that the behavioral activation system of delinquent teenagers can be predicted through the variables of psychological distress and impulsivity.