Tobias Lundgren

Youth with a history of criminal behavior who receive institutional care frequently relapse into crime, with higher recidivism rates among those involved in criminal groups. The PULS treatment program, currently implemented within Sweden’s National Board of Institutional Care (SiS), aims to improve prosocial behavior and reduce criminal behavior and recidivism, but its effectiveness has not been empirically evaluated.This project aims to assess the feasibility and outcomes of PULS in the SiS context through three studies: (1) a feasibility study examining implementation and preliminary treatment effects, (2) a qualitative study exploring perceptions of PULS among youth and therapists, and (3) a randomized controlled trial measuring behavioral and criminal outcomes at multiple follow-up points.The project will provide empirical evidence on the effectiveness of PULS, refine its implementation, and contribute to the development of structured interventions for youth in institutional care, particularly those involved in criminal groups. Findings will provide hypotheses about crucial processes that maintain anti-social behavior and can inform best practices for reducing recidivism and fostering long-term social integration for this population.

Group-based ACT for psychological distress of young people: a randomized controlled trial<br/><br/>NoResearch stay abroadThe purpose of the project is to develop a group treatment for young people with mental health problems based on the therapy model Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).We want to focus on patients with depressive symptoms aged 16-21. The project will examine the effect of the treatment over one year using various questionnaires, and further investigate the importance of different processes in the treatment for the effect. <br/><br/>ACT is a well-established and well-documented form of treatment that has shown promising results for young people. More research is needed on the effect of ACT as a group treatment for young people. <br/><br/>This offer could alleviate long waiting lists, ensure that young people receive treatment faster, and make the transition from BUP to DPS less demanding for young people.<br/><br/>The project is currently in the inclusion phase.<br/>