In
a recent blog posting (Ralph, 2019) I discussed the "Other
Recidivism", that is nonsexual recidivism, for juveniles who sexually
offended (JwSO). Caldwell's (2016) meta-analytic study of research since 2000,
found low base-rates for sexual recidivism (2.75%) but nonsexual recidivism was
27.25%, 10 times higher. Steinberg, Cauffman, and Monahan (2015) studied 1,300
serious juvenile offenders and found that individuals who psychosocially mature
are more likely to desist from criminal behavior. Cauffman, Skeem, Dmitrieva,
and Cavanagh (2016) in assessing psychopathy found that increased psychosocial
maturity was associated with decreased psychopathy scores in juveniles. Férriz
Romeral, Sobral Fernández, and Gómez Fraguela (2018) in their recent
meta-analytic study found that lower levels of moral reasoning were associated
with juvenile recidivism generally, but a higher effect was found for older
adolescents and females.
Methods
to promote psychosocial maturity
The above findings are complemented by
research providing evidence that specific treatment methods are associated with
increasing psychosocial maturity in juvenile probation populations. Moral
Reconation Therapy (MRT) promotes moral reasoning for juveniles (Little &
Robinson, 1988). Two studies (Burnette, et al., 2003; Burnette, et al., 2004)
showed positive changes with youth on probation using MRT, including increases
in the level of moral reasoning. Brown (2016) in a more recent study using a
sample of 86 offenders in Colorado found that juveniles who completed MRT
treatment were 3.89 times less likely to re-offend compared to non-completers.
Aggression Replacement Training (ART) (Goldstein, Glick, & Gibbs, 1998) is
another treatment method with significant research which promotes prosocial
maturity in probation youth. It has modules promoting social skills, moral
reasoning, and anger control. Its effectiveness with juveniles on probation has
been described in research studies (Goldstein, Nensén, Daleflod, & Kalt,
2005). Amendola and Oliver (2010) note that ART is a "Model Program"
for the United States Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and
the United Kingdom Home Office. Also, Ralph (2015a; 2015b) in three studies
with ART with JwSO found beneficial outcomes on psychological measures.
A meta-analysis and review of effective
practices for juveniles on probation was done by Lipsey (2009). He notes that
the most effective methods associated with reduced recidivism for probation
youth in rank order are approaches which utilize: 1. Counseling, 2. Skill
building, 3. Multiple wrap-around services, 4. Restorative justice methods, and
5. Surveillance (structured probation supervision). The approaches that used
counseling and skill building can be characterized as promoting psychosocial
maturity. Kettrey & Lipsey (2018) suggested that best practices for
treatment of JwSO should include interventions for the general probation
population. While treatment in the eight studies reviewed was associated with
reduced sexual recidivism, the effect was not statistically significant,
although there was a significant treatment effect for decreased general
recidivism.
This brief literature review describes
that interventions to promote psychosocial maturity and moral reasoning are
associated with desistance from criminal behaviors in juveniles. These
treatment methods have been used with JwSO. Interventions to promote
psychosocial maturity are cost-effective and can be readily implemented in most
programs (Ralph, 2017). These approaches, along with supportive family, school,
and neighborhood environments, can likely promote prosocial functioning not
only in probation youth generally but JwSO.
Brown, B. L. (2016). The Efficacy of
Juvenile Moral Reconation Therapy in Gunnison, Colorado. (Doctoral
dissertation). Retrieved from , ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, number
10253255.
Burnette, K. D., Swan, E. S., Robinson,
K. D., Woods-Robinson, M., & Little, G. L. (2003). Effects of MRT on male
juvenile offenders participating in a therapeutic community program.
Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Review,12(2), 2-5.
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