NCJ Number
100238
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 29 Issue: 3 Dated: (1985) Pages: 265-275
Date Published
1985
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article identifies barriers to effective psychotherapy in prisons, reviews studies of the effectiveness of correctional psychotherapy, and proposes the implementation of a differential treatment model in correctional settings.
Abstract
Barriers to effective psychotherapy in prisons include facilities and furnishings that detract from the significance of the therapy, the inmate's perception of the therapist's alliance with the prison administration, and the socioeconomic and subcultural differences between the inmate and psychotherapist. Studies of the effectiveness of psychotherapy in prison settings have generally concluded that no one type of therapy is effective with the majority of inmates. The effectiveness of various treatment techniques varies with offender personalities, needs, and problems. The differential treatment model proposed advocates matching therapy techniques with offender types in accord with research that has shown the effectiveness of various treatment-offender matchups. More research of this type is needed. Suggestions are offered for research and applied efforts designed to improve the classification and treatment of inmates. 24 references.