Prevalence of Cognitive Distortion and Antisocial Behavior among Bangladeshi Adolescent in Higher Secondary School

Abstract

Over the past 50 years, the rate of antisocial behaviors have increased in frequency and severity among children and adolescent. In a number of studies, cognitive distortions have been shown to be directly related to criminal and antisocial behavior. Hence, it is important to check the frequency of antisocial behavior among adolescent in every society. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of cognitive distortion or antisocial behavior among higher secondary adolescent. To determine the cognitive distortion and antisocial behavior the study used the Bangla Version of HIT questionnaire. To measure the prevalence, at first we determine the cutoff score for cognitive distortion and antisocial behavior using ROC curve, sensitivity, specificity and Youden Index. The target sample were 191 higher secondary school going adolescent who are consider as not delinquent or normal sample. Another group of 30 samples was included from juvenile Correction Center considering as delinquent sample to determine the cutoff score. The result found the cutoff score for cognitive distortion or antisocial behavior is 76.5. The result of the study was alarming and found that 42.7% adolescent were cognitively distorted and had antisocial behavior. The study also found that boys had more antisocial behavior than girls (44.6% vs 42.7%). The result also found that socio economic status was related to cognitive distortion and antisocial behavior. These findings suggest that cognitive distortion and antisocial behavior among higher secondary adolescent in Bangladeshi population are public health concern and assumed to threats for society. Since, cognitive distortion of adolescent should be prevented by imposing interventions. In a consequence, we will able to contribute the future national developmental process by reducing crime from Bangladesh.