Leveraging Neuro-Linguistic Programming to Enhance Juvenile Self-Esteem: An Expert Evaluation of Strategic Communication Techniques
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Abstract
Although conventional juvenile rehabilitation frameworks often prioritise behavioural compliance, they may give limited attention to the role of strategic communication in shaping offenders’ self-perceptions. This study evaluates Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) as a communication-oriented framework that may support self-esteem development among institutionalised youth. Using an expert-driven qualitative design, five certified NLP practitioners evaluated 50 NLP modalities through card-sorting exercises and semi-structured interviews. These techniques were mapped against four self-esteem domains: self-mastery, self-efficacy, self-liking, and competence. Expert consensus identified seven techniques as potentially relevant for youth rehabilitation contexts: Rapport, Mind to Muscle, Reframing, Visual Squash, Circle of Excellence, Developing Self-Appreciation, and the Swish Pattern. As the study is limited to expert-level validation and does not include field testing with juvenile populations, the findings should be viewed as preliminary and directional. The study contributes to applied communication, forensic psychology, and correctional rehabilitation by offering an expert-informed basis for the future development and empirical testing of communication-based rehabilitation modules.
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References
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