The Effectiveness of Correctional Treatment for People Convicted of Sex Offences: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

• In Event: Evaluation research on correctional treatment for people convicted of sex offences

Abstract

Prior evidence syntheses of correctional treatment for people convicted of sex offences report modestly favorable mean reductions in reoffending. However, the most recent systematic review and meta-analysis risks falling behind the rapidly growing evidence base. We therefore present the results of an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of correctional treatments for people convicted of sex offences. We integrate findings from evaluations of correctional treatment, produced up until 2024, delivered to comparable groups of treated and equivalently untreated people convicted of sex offences. Most evaluations were produced in Anglo-American contexts. Consistent with prior analyses, mean effects displayed modestly favorable reductions in reoffending and considerable effect heterogeneity across key study features such as treatment modality, methodological quality, and setting of treatment delivery. We furthermore reflect on trends in the effectiveness of treatment, in conceptual and practical approaches to treatment delivery, and in the methodological quality of evaluation research.

Authors

• Johann Koehler, London School of Economics and Political Science

• Friedrich Lösel, Cambridge University & University of Erlangen-Nuremberg