Thursday, June 14, 2007

More NCJRS Abstracts, June 14, 2007

AMONG THE LATEST RESEARCH POSTED AT http://www.ncjrs.gov/. CHECK FOR OTHER ARTICLES OF INTEREST THERE AS WELL.

NCJ 218433
Wayne N. Welsh; Patrick McGrain; Nicole Salamatin; Gary Zajac
Effects of Prison Drug Treatment on Inmate Misconduct: A Repeated Measures Analysis
Criminal Justice and Behavior
Volume: 34 Issue:5 Dated: May 2007 Pages:600 to 615

This federally supported study examined the hypothesis that participation in prison-based drug treatment lowers inmate misconduct. The results of the study do not support the hypothesis that participation in intensive treatment alone reduces prison misconduct. Although not specifically designed to lower inmate misconduct, it is suggested that there may be positive byproducts of treatment, especially the treatment community (TC) model which emphasizes individual and communal responsibility, inner change, and adoption of a more prosocial, positive lifestyle. Significantly lower average rates of misconduct were found for the TC group. For inmates who remained in prison for a substantial period of time following treatment, the results suggested a deterioration effect. To reduce prison misconduct, it would appear prudent to continue maximizing valid assessment and classification procedures to facilitate appropriate inmate placement in housing and programming responsive to individual needs and risk levels. The article discussed several limitations and suggestions for future research in this area. Prior studies suggest that participation in prison programs, such as work, education, and treatment may positively affect inmate adjustment to prison, as well as reduce rates of institutional misconduct. In order to test the hypothesis that participation in prison treatment programs reduces inmate misconduct, this study examined pre- and posttreatment misconduct for 1,073 inmates who participated in TC drug treatment or a comparison group at 5 State prisons. References

NCJ 218434
Calvin M. Langton; Howard E. Barbaree; Kevin T. Hansen; Leigh Harkins; Edward J. Peacock
Reliability and Validity of the Static-2002 Among Adult Sexual Offenders with Reference to Treatment Status
Criminal Justice and Behavior
Volume :34 Issue:5 Dated: May 2007 Pages:616 to 640

This study sought to investigate the reliability and validity of the Static-2002, as a measure of sexual offense recidivism risk. Overall, the data is encouraging suggesting that the Static-2002 has reasonable scale properties, can be coded reliably, and is at least as accurate at predicting sexual/serious recidivism as its predecessors, while representing an attempt to enhance conceptual clarity and scoring consistency. The Static-2002 is an instrument developed to predict sexual and violent recidivism among sexual offenders. In a sample comprised of 468 sexual offenders offered treatment at the Warkworth Sexual Behavior Clinic (WSCB), this study carried out a series of analyses to investigate the reliability and validity of the Static-2002. Participants were followed for an average of 5.9 years after their release. Tables, figures, references

NCJ 218436
Doris C. Chu
Religiosity and Desistance From Drug Use
Criminal Justice and Behavior
Volume :34 Issue:5 Dated: May 2007 Pages:661 to 679

This paper attempts to offer a theoretical framework that includes religiosity as an explanation of desistance from drug use. Study findings revealed that religious behavior not only prevented the onset of delinquent behavior but also inhibited the continuation of drug use. Although religious salience was found to prevent the onset of drug use, religious importance did not have any significant effects on desistance from using drugs. Compared to religious importance, religious behavior had larger deterrent effects on the initiation of drug use. These findings suggest that religiosity may be important for prevention of illicit drug use as well as recovery from drug dependence. Although recent research acknowledges an inverse relationship between religion and crime, no desistance theories to date include religiosity in their model as part of the explanation of desistance from drug use. It was expected that adult religiosity would have a positive, direct effect on desistance from drug use. The data used in this study came from Wave 5 and Wave 7 of the National Youth Survey (NYS). Tables, references

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