Parolees enrolled in a six-site randomized clinical trial were asked to rate relationship quality with their supervising officer.
Results showed parolees assigned to the intervention endorsed significantly higher relationship ratings and demonstrated a lower violation rate than those assigned to the control group. Ratings of the parolee-parole officer relationship mediated the relationship between study condition and outcomes; better perceived relationship quality was associated with fewer drug use days and violations during the follow-up period, regardless of the study condition. Findings are discussed as they pertain to supervision relationships. Participants were assigned to a parole officer-therapist-client collaborative intervention designed to improve relationship quality (n = 253) or supervision as usual (n = 227). (Publisher abstract modified)