Date of Award
Spring 2026
Degree Type
Honors College Thesis
Academic Program
Psychology BS
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Ashley Jones
Advisor Department
Psychology
Abstract
Externalizing behaviors, which are mental health problems manifested as outward behavior, have negative impacts on the environment and relationships (Liu, 2004). They include traits such as impulsivity, aggression, and substance use. Externalizing behaviors are more common in justice-involved youth compared to those who were not involved. Interventions for justice-involved youth, such as military boot camps, offer an alternative to incarceration and provide rehabilitation opportunities and routine. Theoretical research suggests military boot camps are problematic, citing the ineffectiveness of “scared straight” tactics. To date, there are few studies examining changes because of completing boot camps. There are also no studies examining the role of staff relationships in successful program outcomes. This study addresses these gaps using archival data from a military boot camp in Mississippi. Approximately 170 juveniles completed self-report surveys, answering questions about their externalizing behaviors and mental health before and after completing the program. We hypothesized that externalizing behaviors, specifically emotional impulsivity and anger, would decrease by the end of the program. We also hypothesized that relationships with staff would predict feelings of social support and anger levels. Results demonstrated no significant decrease in emotional impulsivity after treatment, although there was an increase of nonacceptance of emotions. Positive relationships with staff were associated with lower rates of aggression, and feelings of being unsupported by staff were associated with an increase in citations. Results can help explain how military boot camps help justice-involved youth decrease externalizing behaviors. This information can help programs refine their practices to be more effective.
Copyright
Copyright for this thesis is owned by the author. It may be freely accessed by all users. However, any reuse or reproduction not covered by the exceptions of the Fair Use or Educational Use clauses of U.S. Copyright Law or without permission of the copyright holder may be a violation of federal law. Contact the administrator if you have additional questions.
Recommended Citation
Labadie, Paris, "Tough Love or Just Tough?: The Effect of Juvenile Military Bootcamps on Adolescent Externalizing Behaviors" (2026). Honors Theses. 1147.
https://aquila.usm.edu/honors_theses/1147