Preventing the Risk of Recidivism through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Honduras)
Problems addressed
Effectiveness

Promising

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Promising

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Life periods served
Where the program was applied
Country of application
Description

This is a rehabilitation program based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and aimed at people on probation. The objective is to reduce criminal recidivism.
The program was implemented by two teams: one comprised two independent psychologists who acted as facilitators; the other was in charge of logistics and administrative tasks (room reservation, meals, transportation).
The intervention was carried out in six sessions and lasted four months. The sessions were conducted in groups, with biweekly three-hour meetings, with the following topics:
1) The first session focused on introducing the therapists and explaining the objectives of the program, the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other logistical issues.
2) The second and subsequent four sessions focused on self-esteem/self-perception, self-control/impulsivity, problem identification, problem-solving, values/anti-values, resilience, delayed gratification, and support networks.

Impact evaluations

An impact evaluation showed that inmates who participated in the program were 69% less likely to reoffend compared to those assigned to the control group, without access to the program [1]. The study suggests that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may be a useful tool to combat crime in developing regions.
The study had an experimental design with a sample of 100 probationers randomly assigned to a treatment group (n = 50) or control conditions (n = 50) and followed for 14 months [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Capellan, J. A., Koppel, S., Sung, H. E. (2020). The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on recidivism among parolees in Central America: evidence from a Honduran experiment. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-020-09443-w

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