Inner Speech Modification and Young Offender Re-offence: Literature Review and Implications

Jessica Elsom

doi:10.29173/bsuj367

Abstract

Inner speech is the voice in our heads that serves a variety of functions, and impacts individuals’ thoughts and behaviours. It is thought that young offenders have misguiding inner voices, and there is hope that professionals can change this through inner speech modification. During treatment, practitioners attempt to teach young offenders to use skills and tools. Ideally, this will reduce recidivism rates and allow these youth to become contributing members of society. In this literature review, the relationship between inner speech and young offender reoffence is examined. The purpose of this research is to bridge literature on inner speech, cognitive behavioural therapy, and young offender research to provide a source of suggestions for reducing delinquent behaviours. I advocate for inner speech modification programs in young offender rehabilitation because the research presented in this review supports the use of innerspeech in behaviour modification. I argue that the programs designed for young offenders need continued flexibility, and that there needs to be an increase in program availability for young offenders, especially ones involving inner speech modification. I also suggest that researchers should examine more preventative, earlier intervention programs, and investigate the relationships between inner speech and language deficiencies in young offenders.

Highlights

IntroductionUnder the current Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) by the Government of Canada (2015), young offenders are 7 to 17 years old
Since it is thought that young offenders have misguided inner voices, practitioners often attempt to modify the youths’ inner voice and give them skills and tools for when they return to their daily lives (e.g., Miller 1988, 2011)
The writer compiled primary and secondary research through available journals by searching the terms: self-talk, inner speech, young offenders, juvenile delinquents, behaviour modification, and cognitive behavioural therapy in the Mount Royal University and Google Scholar databases. This topic was chosen as the literature is lacking overview of research, including key techniques, best practices, and arguments for practical applications for those interested in using inner speech modification in young offender rehabilitation

Summary

Introduction

Under the current Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) by the Government of Canada (2015), young offenders are 7 to 17 years old. Researchers have found that young offenders report higher drug and alcohol use, have delinquent friends, have little parental supervision, and their values are rooted in obtaining money and materialism both quickly and (Savoie 2006; Inderbitzin 2007). Inner speech and young offenders are explored individually, specific modifications in these contexts are examined, and I make suggestions for practical applications and future research

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