Longitudinal studies and meta-analyses have shown cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to be effective. Mode deactivation therapy (MDT) is a form of CBT based on the theory of a network of cognitive, affective, motivational, and behavioral components that create a personality – “modes.” Modes are activated and create emotional dysregulation and behavioral disorders. In MDT, using a manualized treatment, the therapist reduces symptoms of behavior disorder, physical and sexual aggression, anxiety, and traumatic stress while keeping the juvenile offenders out of long-term, out-of-home placements. This present study examines 39 adjudicated Pennsylvania males (ages ranging from 14 to 17).
