Disciplinary Problems Among FELDA Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review
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Abstract
Adolescents in Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) settlements face unique psychosocial challenges that contribute to disciplinary problems, yet systematic evidence remains limited. This systematic literature review aimed to identify and analyse the characteristics of students with disciplinary problems in FELDA settlements and examine contributing factors to inform intervention strategies. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, two databases: Scopus and Web of Science were searched for studies published between
2000 until 2025. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Thematic synthesis was employed to analyse findings across each selected study. Ten studies met inclusion criteria, comprising seven quantitative, two qualitative, and one mixed-methods study. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: (1) characteristics of FELDA students with disciplinary problems, (2) contributing factors, and (3) intervention strategies and protective factors. Male adolescents demonstrated significantly higher rates of disciplinary problems, with 54.1% of males reporting smoking compared to 4.3% of females. Family and peer influence was particularly strong in contributing factors. Religious-based interventions,
group counselling, and academic support were commonly recommended as protective interventions. Despite
these findings, the evidence base is limited in both size and methodological rigour. Most studies were crosssectional
and varied in quality, thus limiting the strength of conclusions. To strengthen the evidence base,
future research should employ more robust methodologies, particularly longitudinal and intervention studies
tailored to the cultural context of FELDA populations.
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