NCJ Number
131560
Journal
Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics and Public Policy Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: (1991) Pages: 421-441
Date Published
1991
Length
21 pages
Annotation
A meta-analysis of 46 studies reported in major criminal justice, criminology, and psychology journals from the winter of 1980 until the spring of 1990 found that one treatment approach, family counseling, produces clear positive effects.
Abstract
The analysis assessed the amount of positive change associated with the 10 most commonly used treatment approaches in 7 types of treatment settings for adjudicated delinquents. The studies all used experimental designs, statistical controls, a matched comparison group, or a pre-test/post-test research design. The meta-analysis revealed frequent design flaws and the need for improved methodologies. Preliminary analysis also showed both family counseling and group therapy to be effective, but further analysis showed that only family counseling had clear positive effects. Results indicated the desirability of providing family counseling programs in all jurisdictions. Tables, footnotes, and 51 references