Neuroticism and Juvenile Delinquents

The study was intended to find out the effectiveness of eclectic counseling in reducing the neuroticism level of juvenile delinquents. The sample for the study was 47 convicted juveniles from Tamilnadu, India. All the samples were boys. Purposive sampling design was used. Demographic datasheet and Eysenck personality questionnaire for juniors were used for the study. Based on the test results, eclectic counselling was provided for a period of three months and the participants were assessed again. Before intervention, the mean value of neuroticism among the juvenile delinquents is 12.51 which is interpreted as high. Eclectic counseling was provided after analyzing the causes of their neurotic behavior. After intervention, the mean value of neuroticism has reduced to 6.36 and the t value was 13.302, indicating significant level of reduction in the level of neuroticism. Thus, the study showed the prevalence of high level of neuroticism among the male juvenile delinquents and the eclectic counselling is effective in reducing the neuroticism level.