Abstract: | Increasing self-control is a key-factor in the rehabilitation process of young criminals. Based on two well-established theories of self-control, we tested a short mindfulness training and the motivational effect of group identification on a standard self-control measurement in an sample of 57 incarcerated male youth from a German youth detention center. In accordance with our hypothesis, both treatments led to higher self-control than a control group. These findings indicate that mindfulness and group identification foster self-control even in an untrained sample of incarcerated young men and contribute therefore to resource-oriented successful rehabilitation programs. |