• Universiti Malaya Community Engagement Centre (UMCares)
  • umcares@um.edu.my
  • 03-79677357
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Universiti Malaya Community Engagement Centre

A customized intervention program was painstakingly created in this extensive study to address the complex social and behavioral issues that teenagers experience. The intervention's main goals were to encourage participants' emotional expression and develop effective communication techniques. Three levels of counseling sessions were used to carry out the intervention: individual, group, and family counseling. A counselor representative from the center carefully chosen four volunteers, obtaining each one's informed consent. Individual counseling sessions marked the beginning of the journey in early March 2019, acting as a fundamental first step in developing rapport and trust. In order to lay a strong foundation for later phases, participants candidly discussed their past experiences, present histories, and family histories during these sessions.

Participants moved into group counseling sessions as the intervention went on, which offered a forum for mutual support and emotional connection. The goal of this phase was to build a sense of camaraderie among participants in order to establish an atmosphere that would support individual and group growth.Family counseling sessions, which took place in late June and early July 2019 to coincide with the participants' 6-month probationary term ending, marked the apex of the intervention. The purpose of these participant-parent-led workshops was to address family dynamics and promote positive communication within the family. Notably, the site counselor worked in tandem with the primary investigator, utilizing strategic and structural approaches to effectively guide participants and their families.

In addition, the researchers took on a dual role, advising the organization in addition to facilitating the intervention. The lack of qualified family counselors within the organization made this multimodal approach necessary, underscoring the critical role that outside knowledge plays in improving the caliber of interventions. After the intervention, phenomenology interviews were conducted with participants to collect qualitative data. The comments that were received emphasized the importance of parental participation in the therapeutic process and the critical role that it plays in helping adolescents achieve positive outcomes. Even while the intervention was successful, there was one significant drawback: the short detention term that the Syariah court required limited how long the intervention could last. This drawback highlights the necessity for more studies that examine participants' and their families' post-release experiences in order to shed light on the intervention's long-term effectiveness.

In summary, this research sheds light on the efficacy of all-encompassing counseling approaches in resolving complicated behavioral problems in adolescents. The intervention emphasizes emotional expression and fosters constructive communication, which leads to transformative growth and resilience. This highlights the significance of ongoing support and research in the field of adolescent intervention.

Project information

Project Execution: 10 Months

Location: Pusat Perlindungan Wanita Baitul Ehsan, Selangor

Target Community: Female adolescents and thier parents

Number of Community benifited: 10 communities

Outcome of the Project​​

  1. Better Emotional Expression and Communication: As a result of the therapy sessions, the participants were able to communicate more effectively and express their emotions more fully.
  2. Better Family Relationships: During counseling, families spoke about problems and worked them out together, which brought them closer together. Parents and participants developed closer relationships as a result of improved communication.
  3. Acknowledged Parental Support: Throughout the intervention, participants came to understand the significance of their parents' support. They realized that parents are essential in assisting them in overcoming obstacles.
  4. Effective Collaboration: The project's success was largely due to the counselors' and researchers' collaborative efforts. They effectively led participants and families by utilizing various ways.

Impact of the Project

  1. ​​​​​​​Better Emotions and Communication: Participants' emotional state improved and they were able to discuss their feelings more honestly, which decreased stress and enhanced mental health.
  2. Happier Families: The atmosphere at home improved as families got along better and spoke more. Everyone was able to assist one another more easily as a result.
  3. Good Behavior: Participants began acting more appropriately, interacting with people more smoothly, and resolving conflicts without creating a scene.
  4. Stronger for the Future: By learning how to handle difficult situations, participants strengthened themselves and improved their readiness for whatever lay ahead.
  5. Positive Community Influence: The program's accomplishments enhance ties and support in the community at large, spreading positivity beyond its members.

Last Update: 07/02/2024