<![CDATA[Juvenile offenders frequently exhibit significant deficits in self-control, escalating the risk of recidivism and impeding successful social reintegration. The restrictive environment of juvenile correctional institutions further strains emotional regulation, highlighting the critical need for structured psychological interventions. This study investigated the efficacy of the Self-control for Pupils–Reflective Journaling (STOP-RJ) program in enhancing self-control among incarcerated youth at a correctional facility in Jakarta, Indonesia. Utilizing a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design, the study involved 22 male adolescent detainees (aged 14–18 years). Participants were selected via non-random convenience sampling based on baseline self-regulation deficits. Self-control was assessed using a validated Indonesian adaptation of the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS). The STOP-RJ intervention encompassed six structured sessions (30–45 minutes each), integrating psychoeducation, daily emotion identification, thought-behavior mapping, implementation intentions (if-then strategies), reflective journaling, and individual mentoring. Due to the non-normal distribution of the posttest data, a Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was employed for analysis. Results indicated a statistically significant and large-magnitude improvement in self-control following the intervention (Z = -4.11, p < .001, r = .88). Participants demonstrated consistent score increases from pretest (M = 25.91, SD = 3.99) to posttest (M = 33.95, SD = 2.52). These findings underscore the STOP-RJ program as a promising, evidence-based psychological intervention for strengthening self-regulation among at-risk adolescents, offering substantial implications for rehabilitation and social reintegration frameworks within correctional settings]]>
