NCJ Number
209654
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2005 Pages: 172-204
Date Published
April 2005
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This article provides both narrative and quantitative reviews of studies conducted in correctional settings to test the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral techniques at reducing recidivism.
Abstract
To be included in this review, a study had to meet the following criteria: it must have evaluated an intervention based on a cognitive-behavioral model administered in a group setting with a structured or semi-structured treatment protocol designed to reduce criminal behaviors; it must have included a comparison group that received either no treatment, a non-cognitive-behavioral intervention, or a minimal treatment intervention that was clearly hypothesized to be less effective; participants must have been under the supervision of the criminal or juvenile justice system or directly referred to treatment from the criminal justice system; it must have reported a post-program measure of criminal behavior; it must have evaluated a treatment delivered in North America, Great Britain, Western Europe, or Australia after 1979; and it must have been reported in the English language. For each study, information was extracted describing the characteristics of the treatment program, offender population, research methodology, and recidivism effects. A total of 31 documents reporting on the results from 20 distinct studies were included in this study; 45 percent of these studies were government reports, dissertations, theses, or other unpublished manuscripts. The study findings summarized support the claim that cognitive-behavioral treatments are effective at reducing criminal behavior among convicted offenders. Specifically, the findings show that positive reductions in recidivism were observed for moral reconation therapy, reasoning and rehabilitation, and various cognitive-restructuring programs. References, 3 tables, and 3 figures