Abstract:
This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of formal male juvenile
delinquents in the Ayawaso North Municipality, Greater Accra Region, Ghana. Using
a phenomenological approach, eleven former male juvenile delinquents were selected
through criterion and purposive sampling techniques. In-depth interviews were
conducted and inductive thematic analysis employed. An open coding regime, was
used to analyze the qualitative data, generating four primary themes: (1) Youth
Vulnerability (2) Abuse, (3) Post-Release Barriers, and (4) Coping Mechanisms.
Findings revealed that factors such as stigmatization, substance abuse, peer pressure
and poor parental care contributed to their delinquency, while post-release challenges
including unemployment, limited educational opportunities, social exclusion and lack
of health care were some of the experiences juvenile delinquents encounter after their
release. The study recommends that stakeholders, including clergy, Imams, traditional
leaders, clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers, organize sensitization
programs to address the devastating effects of stigmatization, social exclusion, and
other challenges faced by former male juvenile delinquents.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Counselling Psychology,
Faculty of Educational Studies, submitted to the school of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the award of the Degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Counselling Psychology)
in the University of Education, Winneba
AUGUST, 2023
