Developmental assets-based intervention to enhance young adult offenders’ resilience: a randomized field experiment with thematic analysis of reflective writing

Purpose This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of developmental assets-based training (DABT) in enhancing resilience among young adult offenders aged 18–24 years in an Indonesian correctional institution. Design/methodology/approach A randomized field experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group was used. Resilience was measured at baseline (T1), immediately after the intervention (T2) and two weeks post-intervention (T3). Quantitative analyses assessed within-group and between-group effects, while supplementary qualitative data were collected through reflective writing to explore perceived experiences regarding resilience-related changes following intervention. Findings DABT produced a significant immediate increase in resilience in the experimental group, with a moderate effect size (d = 0.47, p = 0.041). However, this effect did not persist at the two-week follow-up (d = 0.10, p = 0.701), indicating a fadeout effect. No significant between-group differences in resilience were observed across measurement points. Supplementary qualitative findings suggested that participants perceived positive changes in several developmental assets related to their resilience. Practical implications This study provides an empirical foundation for developmental asset-based interventions to enhance resilience in correctional settings, particularly for young adult offenders. Originality/value This study is among the first to develop and evaluate a developmental assets-based intervention to strengthen resilience among young adult offenders in a correctional context in Indonesia.