Responsive Aggression Regulation Therapy (Netherlands)
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 responsive intervention for young people between the ages of 13 and 23 who are incarcerated and have behavioral problems. The aim is to reduce aggressive behavior and recidivism.
The program follows the principles of risk, demand, and responsiveness, adapting the intensity of the intervention to the presented level of risk and demand, but with an emphasis on responsiveness.
Two types of responsiveness are considered:
1) Generic, involving change techniques for impulsive behaviors and psychoactive substance use; and
2) Specific, involving techniques selected on an individual basis by considering motivation, learning style, abilities, and limitations of each case.
The intervention implements Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychodrama, and mindfulness techniques in weekly sessions using individual and group approaches, lasting from six months to two years.

Impact evaluations

Impact evaluation studies have shown that, after the three-year follow-up period, participants had an increase in their aggressive behavior management and self-control skills, a reduction in cognitive distortion (the way they think about aggression), and a lower risk of recidivism into violent and general offenses [1] [2].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Hoogsteder, L. M., Kuijpers, N., Stams, G. J. J. M., van E. Horn, J., Hendriks, J. & Wissink, I. B. (2014). Study on the Effectiveness of Responsive Aggression Regulation Therapy (Re-ART). International Journal of Forensic Mental Health, 13(1), 25–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2014.893711

[2] Hoogsteder, L. M., Stams, G.‑J. J. M., Schippers, E. E. & Bonnes, D. (2018). Responsive Aggression Regulation Therapy (Re-ART): An Evaluation Study in a Dutch Juvenile Justice Institution in Terms of Recidivism. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 62(14), 4403–4424. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X18761267

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