NCJ Number
209321
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 30 Issue: 2 Dated: March/April 2005 Pages: 1-3,30,31
Date Published
March 2005
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reports on an evaluation of an institution-based program designed to change individual decisionmaking behavior.
Abstract
Rational choice theory is based on the notion that individuals have free will and act in manners that maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Used as an explanation for criminal behavior, rational choice theory maintains that crime is a conscious choice. Using this rationale, the program under consideration in this article uses individualized counseling to change the decisionmaking patterns of offenders, resulting, hopefully, in more conformist behavioral choices. The evaluation of the program involved an experimental group of 138 convicted offenders who volunteered to participate in the rehabilitation program and a randomly selected control group of 57 offenders who did not participate in the program. Variables under examination included completion of the program, demographic factors, prior criminal record, and subsequent re-offending behavior. Results of statistical analyses indicated that the program reduced recidivism rates among program participants. However, the lower recidivism rates were more pronounced among offenders with less criminal background who completed the program. Future research should continue probing whether the recidivism effect is due to program components or other relevant factors. Tables, references