NCJ Number
150030
Journal
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 39 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring 1994) Pages: 113-118
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Changes in attitudes, behavioral intentions, and empathic responsiveness were examined for incarcerated offenders who had been exposed to presentations by victim impact panels.
Abstract
The panel sessions were held during summer 1991 and were attended by 62 offenders in British Columbia. A control group consisted of 46 offenders. The participants completed a questionnaire composed of 16 statements and the Questionnaire Measure of Emotional Empathy. All offenders were male and were serving sentences of under 2 years. Results revealed several statistically significant positive attitude shifts and changes in behavioral intentions. However, no increases in empathy were found. A 1-year followup of the impaired driving records of the offenders is planned to determine the behavioral impacts of the panel. Although 80 percent of all offenders indicated a desire to refrain from drinking and driving in the future, intentions are often not translated into behavior. Thus, the followup will determine whether the victim impact panel reduces impaired driving recidivism. Table and 7 references (Author abstract modified)