University of Pennsylvania ScholarlyCommons Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Capstone Projects Capstones 8-26-2021 Strengths-Based Compassion as an Agent of Change for Incarcerated Youth: Positive Psychology Interventions Proposed for Colorado's Division of Youth Services Rachel Olsen
[email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_capstone Part of the Juvenile Law Commons, and the Prison Education and Reentry Commons Olsen, Rachel, "Strengths-Based Compassion as an Agent of Change for Incarcerated Youth: Positive Psychology Interventions Proposed for Colorado's Division of Youth Services" (2021). Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Capstone Projects. 211. https://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_capstone/211 This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. https://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_capstone/211 For more information, please contact
[email protected]. Strengths-Based Compassion as an Agent of Change for Incarcerated Youth: Positive Psychology Interventions Proposed for Colorado's Division of Youth Services Abstract The youth corrections system is in need of reform. Emerging work from the field of positive criminology is working to shift the focus from retribution and risk management to strengths building and positive youth development. Research suggests, targeted strategies from positive psychology can provide youth with opportunities to counteract the potentially deleterious effects of incarceration, especially as adolescent neurobehavioral development offers a ripe opportunity for positive interventions that enhance wellbeing. Strengths-based compassion, the proposed positive intervention described within, uses mindfulness, character strengths, and the cultivation of compassion to improve self-regulation and self-discipline, increase self-esteem, improve social skills, and reduce recidivism.