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The positive effects of cognitive–behavioral programs for offenders: A meta-analysis of factors associated with effective treatment

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Abstract

A meta-analysis of 58 experimental and quasi-experimental studies of the effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on the recidivism of adult and juvenile offenders confirmed prior positive findings and explored a range of potential moderators to identify factors associated with variation in treatment effects. With method variables controlled, the factors independently associated with larger recidivism reductions were treatment of higher risk offenders, high quality treatment implementation, and a CBT program that included anger control and interpersonal problem solving but not victim impact or behavior modification components. With these factors accounted for, there was no difference in the effectiveness of different brand name CBT programs or generic forms of CBT.

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Notes

  1. References marked with an asterisk are reports of studies included in the meta-analysis.

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  1. Vanderbilt Institute for Public Policy Studies, 1207 18th Ave. South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA

    Nana A. Landenberger & Mark W. Lipsey

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Landenberger, N.A., Lipsey, M.W. The positive effects of cognitive–behavioral programs for offenders: A meta-analysis of factors associated with effective treatment. J Exp Criminol 1, 451–476 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-005-3541-7

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