Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Prison Misconduct: A Propensity Score Evaluation

• In Event: Impacts of Various Prison Treatment Programs on Inmates' Conduct and Mental Health

Abstract

Recent scholarship suggests treatment effects from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) programs can significantly reduce rates of prison misconduct. However, this may not be a full accounting of CBT effects, due in part to publication bias towards positive results and the limitations of non-experimental research designs. This study utilizes a quasi-experimental methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of a CBT-based substance abuse program in reducing misconduct at a northeastern correctional facility. Disciplinary reports were compared as an outcome between program graduates (n=158) and non-graduates (n=483) using propensity score matching. Results indicated no significant treatment effects on misconduct. Implications for research and correctional policy are discussed.

Author

• Beck M. Strah, Northeastern University