Association Between Opposition Defiant Disorder and Delinquent Behaviour Among Male Teenagers Between the Ages of 13-19: a Case Study of Kamiti Youth Correction and Training Centre, Nairobi County

Abstract

The nation's young people are its most valuable resource, and they must get the kind of nurturing and education that will allow them to reach their full potential. On the other hand, the problem of delinquent conduct in Kenya is primarily considered a problem with the country's criminal justice system, while the psychological element is overlooked. The goal of the research was to establish whether or not there is a relationship between Defiant Opposition Behavior and delinquent behavior at the Kamiti Youth Correction and Training Centre (KYCTC) located in Kiambu County to establish suitable measures that would assist in the reduction of delinquent behavior. Specifically, the study's goal was to find out if there was any connection between the two. The participants in the study were chosen using the Mojave Child and Adolescent Symptom Rating Scale – Oppositional Defiant Disorder in conjunction with open-ended interviews. The age range of the participants ranged from 13 to 19 years old. The research employed ex-post-facto study design and theories of learning and development in the investigations. According to the study's findings, there is a connection between oppositional defiant disorder and adolescent criminal behavior. The study came to the general conclusion that the majority of the young people who are housed in these correctional facilities are susceptible to ODD as a result of the social factors that are present in the living conditions that they are forced to endure. As a result, initiatives to empower youth should be established, parental education programs should be supported, and the government should establish regulations to guarantee that parents are allowed to attend forums related to their children's activities. The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between the risk of oppositional defiant disorder and delinquent behavior among male teenagers between the ages of 13-19 in Kamiti Youth Correction and Training Centre.