Title: Effect of Self-Affirmation Therapy on Dispositional Optimism of Juvenile Delinquents in Southwest Nigeria: The Moderating Role of Social Support
Authors: Ibilola Florence Odewole and Joseph Olusola Fehintola
Volume: 9
Issue: 7
Pages: 84-90
Publication Date: 2025/07/28
Abstract:
This study examined the effect of Self-Affirmation Therapy (SAT) on the dispositional optimism of juvenile delinquents in Southwest Nigeria, with social support considered as a moderating variable. A pretest-posttest, control group quasi-experimental design was employed. Forty-four participants with low optimism scores on the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) were purposively selected from two public juvenile homes in Ogun and Oyo States and randomly assigned to either an experimental group (SAT; n = 20) or a control group (n = 22). The SAT group received eight weekly sessions aimed at reinforcing self-worth and personal values, while the control group participated in time management training. Measures included the LOT-R, the Dispositional Optimism/Pessimism Instrument (OPI), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Data were analysed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Scheffé's post hoc test. Results showed a significant main effect of the SAT intervention on dispositional optimism, F(2, 41) = 4.751, p = .014, ?² = .188, indicating that SAT significantly improved optimism among participants. However, the moderating effect of social support was not statistically significant, F(3, 41) = 0.615, p = .609, ?² = .043, suggesting that perceived social support did not significantly influence the relationship between SAT and dispositional optimism. The findings underscore the potential of self-affirmation interventions in promoting psychological resilience and positive future expectations among institutionalised adolescents.