The Use of a Meditation Programme for Institutionalized
Juvenile Delinquents
CHATREE WITOONCHART, M.D.*,
LESLIE BARTLET, M.D.**
Affiliation : * Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
** Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Rd. Southampton S016 6YD, UK.
AbstractThe study applied intensive - seven consecutive days meditation programme in 101 late
adolescent male delinquents in Upekkha Detention Centre. All of the boys completed the programme
and answered the questionnaires. All of them felt that the meditation practice had been beneficial.
70 per cent of the subjects described feelings of contentment and calm, 53 per cent requested the
programme to be repeated, 52 per cent of the subjects declared a clearer undestanding in the doctrine
of Karma, 44 per cent referred to improved concentration and awareness, 36 per cent felt less
impulsive, 22 per cent had flashbacks of their criminal behavior and their victims.
In conclusion, the boys in Upekkha Detention Centre had the willing to join and complete
the intensive meditation programme. Their self assessment reports showed a positive attitude to the
programme. It is possible to develop a meditation programme as an adjunctive therapy for institu
tianalized juvenile delinquents.
Keywords : Meditation, Juvenile Delinquents
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