The Effectiveness of Group Dialectical Behavior Therapy (Based on Skills Training) on Aggression in Adolescents

Introduction: As aggression has destructive consequences on aggressive adolescents and their relatives, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) on aggression reduction in adolescents.
Method: The design was Quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest groups. The statistical sample included 24 aggressive adolescents who were selected from the boarding schools, using their scores in Aggression Scale Buss and Perry (AG) and then, were randomly divided between two control and experimental groups. The instrument applied in this research was a 29-items questionnaire, which assesses dimensions and total aggression. The criteria for being included in the study were an aggression score, one standard deviation above the average score in adolescents and also the participation of adolescents in training sessions. The therapeutic method was an 8-session therapeutic program, according to Miller manual.
Results: According to the research findings, dialectical behavior therapy reduced global aggression in adolescents. The behavioral, cognitive and emotional dimensions of adolescents’ aggression were studied based on MANCOVA test the only significant component was emotional dimension.
Conclusion: Group Dialectical Behavior Therapy reduces adolescents' aggression by affecting the emotional dimension. However, DBT isn't sufficient for decreasing behavioral and cognitive dimensions of aggression in 8-session period. It needs a comprehensive intervention for decreasing the other two dimensions. This issue notices planning and implementation of comprehensive interventions for aggressive adolescents.