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Branwen Gregory, Psy.D., is a 2020 graduate of the Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, New England

Dissertation Committee:

  • Roger L. Peterson, PhD, ABPP, Committee Chair
  • Karen Meteyer, PhD, Committee Member
  • David Hamolsky, PsyD, Committee Member

Keywords

MRT, implementation, recidivism, RNR model

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2020

Abstract

Recidivism among criminal offenders has been a persistent and intractable problem for many decades. Cognitive behavioral interventions, particularly when implemented with adherence to the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) treatment model, have proven to be effective in reducing recidivism rates. However, real world circumstances in penal institutions place restrictions on how these programs are implemented and may make it difficult for these interventions to be instituted with integrity and/or adherence to the RNR model. This is a particular challenge at local jails, which house shorter-term populations and have fewer resources. Currently there is a lack of research looking at the effectiveness of treatment programs in jail settings. The majority of research has been on programs instituted within the prison system, which houses a different population, with lengthier and more predictable periods of incarceration (Lizima et al., 2014). More research is needed on treatment programs in local jails to investigate how these programs are implemented, what modifications are made, and whether or not these programs, either modified or implemented as designed, are effective (Durlak & DuPre, 2008). This study confirmed the existence of substantial challenges to maintaining integrity of implementation in a jail setting, particularly related to dosage. Interviews revealed that numerous modifications were made to the MRT protocol when implemented, both initially and over time. Many of these modifications were minor and incidental, but a number of them made substantive changes to the program. The decision-making process of the staff responsible for implementing the program was thoughtful, creative, and ultimately motivated primarily by clinical concerns related to the specific population being served. Modifications were generally consistent with the RNR model.

Comments

Branwen Gregory

ORCID Scholar ID# 0000-0002-7501-0460

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