Self-deception and its relationship with temperamental traits as predictors of behavioral problems among delinquents in Riyadh

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the level of each of (self-deception- mood characteristics - behavioral problems), to identify the nature of the relationship between the three variables, and to predict behavioral problems through self-deception and mood characteristics, using a sample of (100) delinquents. The descriptive method (correlational - comparative) and the measures of (self-deception), (temperamental traits), and (behavioral problems) were used. The results showed the following: a high level of self-deception, mood characteristics, behavioral problems, and the existence of a strong positive correlation statistically significant between the level of self-deception and mood characteristics, and between the level of self-deception and behavioral problems, and the existence of an average relationship between the level of mood characteristics and behavioral problems in the study sample. The multiple linear regression model showed the possibility of predicting behavioral problems through self-deception and mood characteristics in the study sample, and the value of the multiple correlation coefficient between the two independent variables and the dependent variable (0.749), meaning that the two independent variables have explained (56.1%) of the change in the dependent variable. The study recommended paying attention to self-deception and mood characteristics of delinquents, due to their association and direct relationship to behavioral problems, as one of the predictive variables of importance to delinquents, and to provide guidance and preventive programs to reduce behavioral problems.

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