Group Counseling for At-Risk Adolescent Girls to Improve Decision Making Skills

Abstract

Adolescence is a time of increased risk taking and poor decision making. A counseling group was directed to introduce 9th grade adolescent girls identified as at-risk, to promote positive decision making skills through a combination of teaching from the group leader and learning through peer interactions. The girls self-reported only minor improvement in decision making skills. The group resulted in a greater understanding and acceptance of others, positive interactions and positive interpersonal change.