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Effects of Empathy and Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy on Difficulties and Strengths in Juvenile Offenders

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the impact of empathy and emotional self-efficacy on the behavioral difficulties and strengths of young offenders deprived of liberty in Colombia. A total of 220 youths ( M = 17.61 years, SD = 1.163) residing in specialized care centers participated. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and the Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale (RESE) were used. The findings indicate that regulatory emotional self-efficacy is negatively associated with behavioral difficulties and positively linked to prosocial behavior. Moreover, empathy exhibits distinct effects depending on its dimension, with perspective-taking and personal distress playing a significant role in emotional regulation. Mediation models suggest that emotional self-efficacy modulates the relationship between empathy and prosocial behavior. These results highlight the importance of interventions to enhance emotional self-efficacy and affective regulation to foster juvenile resocialization.

Source: International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology

DOI: 10.1177/0306624x251326113

Authors: Nicolasa María Durán Palacio, Anyerson Stiths Gómez Tabares, Edison Ferney Castrillón Ángel

Institution: Universidad Católica Luis Amigó

Language: English

Topic: Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650