Examining the Link between Cognitive-Behavioral Programming and Inmate Misconduct

• In Event: Potential Factors for Prison Misconduct

Abstract

The dramatic growth in the prison population over the last several decades has prompted much research in examining the effectiveness of various types of programming available to prisoners in preventing recidivism. A growing body of research suggests that cognitive-behavioral based programs are effective at changing criminal thinking and reducing recidivism. However, it remains unclear whether cognitive-behavioral programming has an impact on misconduct within prison. In 2009, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction implemented the Thinking for a Change program, a cognitive-behavioral program which aims to reduce antisocial attitudes and increase problem-solving skills. Using a quasi-experimental research design with the Thinking for a Change treatment groups and a waiting list comparison group, this study aims to identify the impact of this cognitive-behavioral program on prison misbehavior.

Authors

• Margaret Hardy, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction

• Steve Van Dine, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction