Date of Award

Spring 2025

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology; College of Arts & Sciences

First Advisor

Kristen Hawk-Purcell

Abstract

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well known and common form of theory used to treat a variety of disorders. Our criminal justice system has tried and failed at rehabilitating offenders through a punishment-based approach. CBT opens the door to a treatment approach that actually reduces recidivism. Specifically, this research aims to look at the varying effects that CBT has on violent vs nonviolent offenders. Different types of CBT yield differing effects for violent and nonviolent offenders, with some benefitting one more than the other. Looking at the integrity of the CBT program is an important component to keep in mind when evaluating the effectiveness of these programs. Offenders who fully complete the programs have significantly lower recidivism when compared to drop-outs and control conditions. Community-based CBT programs are seen as the best type of program for offenders when compared to prison-based and court-ordered, Although, each has varying effects on recidivism depending on the offender. Adult offenders saw significantly lowered rates of recidivism, however, juveniles have more mixed results. It is also important that this research encompasses large follow-up periods to yield the best survival analysis. Overall, CBT does reduce recidivism in both violent and nonviolent offenders, but there are a lot of factors at play to keep in mind.

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Breaking the Chains: An Exploration of the Effectiveness of CBT on Violent vs. Nonviolent Offenders

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well known and common form of theory used to treat a variety of disorders. Our criminal justice system has tried and failed at rehabilitating offenders through a punishment-based approach. CBT opens the door to a treatment approach that actually reduces recidivism. Specifically, this research aims to look at the varying effects that CBT has on violent vs nonviolent offenders. Different types of CBT yield differing effects for violent and nonviolent offenders, with some benefitting one more than the other. Looking at the integrity of the CBT program is an important component to keep in mind when evaluating the effectiveness of these programs. Offenders who fully complete the programs have significantly lower recidivism when compared to drop-outs and control conditions. Community-based CBT programs are seen as the best type of program for offenders when compared to prison-based and court-ordered, Although, each has varying effects on recidivism depending on the offender. Adult offenders saw significantly lowered rates of recidivism, however, juveniles have more mixed results. It is also important that this research encompasses large follow-up periods to yield the best survival analysis. Overall, CBT does reduce recidivism in both violent and nonviolent offenders, but there are a lot of factors at play to keep in mind.