NCJ Number
86989
Journal
Personality and Individual Differences Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: (1981) Pages: 285-292
Date Published
1981
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This project applied the principles of learning theory by using a points incentive scheme, modeling, time-out from reinforcements, successive approximations, and individual contracting to 12 borstal trainees at Her Majesty's Borstal Feltham, Middlesex, England.
Abstract
Borstal Feltham is a custodial institution for young male offenders aged 16-21 serving an indeterminate sentence of between 6 months and 2 years. Ten of the 12 offenders had disturbed family histories including broken homes or some form of previous institutional experience. Their offenses included burglary, theft, arson, grievous bodily harm, and hoax phone calls. The points incentive scheme was based on the premise that money was a strong, generalized, and tangible reinforcement for positive behavior. Possible weekly earnings could amount to 100 pence. The six behavior contracts were designed to help offenders improve specific behavior problems. Each contract focused on one behavior only. Potential contract behaviors were determined from staff observations, trainees' personal records, interviews with trainees, and recorded observations of staff during the 2-week induction period. Trainees were awarded a star for successful completion of each contract. Results indicate several improvements in terms of borstal offending and the acquisition of new skills. The effects of applying behavioral techniques systematically to a small unit were consistently favorable. Study data and 11 references are included. (Author abstract modified)