A Comparison of Probationer, Probation Officer, and Observer Ratings of the Working Alliance: Which Relationships Matter for Criminal Justice Outcomes?

• In Event: Psychological Consequences of Correctional Systems Involvement

Abstract

General psychotherapy literature consistently finds that the working alliance is important for treatment outcomes. Further, research finds that the client’s perspective of the working alliance is a better predictor of treatment outcomes as compared to both the therapist and the independent observer ratings. Working alliance literature in the context of criminal justice systems has recently highlighted the importance of the working alliance for outcomes among criminal justice involved populations. The majority of this research, however, has only examined the working alliance in the viewpoint of the offenders. The purpose of the current study is to expand on the working alliance literature as it relates to the criminal justice system by examining the role of working alliance from the perspective form various stakeholders’ viewpoints. Specifically, the current study will examine whether the working alliance as rated by probationers, probation officers, and observers predicts criminal justice outcomes at six months, including substance use, probation violations, and arrests.

Authors

• Channing Carpenter, Sam Houston State University

• Brandy L. Blasko, Sam Houston State University