Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Sandra Rasmussen

Abstract

Researchers have documented the high prevalence of crime in society and the need for programs to assist in the reduction of crime. Social cognitive and criminal lifestyle theories were the two major theoretical frameworks applied to this study due to their focus on the influence of cognitive change on behavioral modifications. A lifestyle approach in such programs reshapes criminal thoughts and transforms criminal behaviors. The efficacy of a lifestyle program in a community correctional facility outside of federal prison walls, modified to run 3 months with parolees and probationers, lacks evidenced research. Using a 2x3 between groups factorial ANCOVA, archival data, which had not previously evaluated, was used to assess whether there were any treatment or cohort differences in criminal thinking. Archival pre and posttest data from The Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles were collected from 3 cohort groups who participated in 5 weeks of the criminality program as compared to 5 weeks of primary group programming. Pretest scores on the criminal thinking inventory were controlled to assess the presence of any posttest differences between treatment conditions and cohorts. This study's findings reported statistically significant differences in posttest scores for the criminality program as compared to the primary group program. Using study's findings, clinicians can develop programs that assist in changing an individual's worth, values, and thinking process, which may assist in building outcomes of lower recidivism rates. These lifestyle changes can promote positive social change within the social structure of offenders, the community, and society.

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