Dissertation
The prediction of criminal recidivism using self- and evaluator appraised risk and needs
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Feb 2016
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-7080
Abstract
In today's age of offender reentry, the process of release has become more complicated, with implications for criminal recidivism risk appraisals. Research has also suggested that information about self-perceived criminogenic risk and needs may have utility for criminogenic risk assessment and intervention services. In addition, criminogenic risk-needs assessment feedback has previously been shown to increase offenders' self-reported motivation for behavior change. In light of these observations, the present study evaluated (1) the predictive (discrimination and calibration) validity of an actuarial criminogenic risk-needs assessment tool in a sample of prisoners undergoing reentry; (2) the predictive validity of self-perceived criminogenic risk and needs, alone and in combination with the aforementioned evaluator-scored tool; and (3) whether receipt of criminogenic risk-needs assessment feedback, or increases in motivation for change, treatment readiness, or agreement with an evaluator's appraisal of criminogenic risk and needs, was associated with subsequent reentry performance (behavioral problems while in a reentry assessment facility, halfway house failure, and rearrest). Results revealed that total actuarial criminogenic risk score and individual criminogenic risk factor scores were generally not statistically significantly related to different criminal recidivism indicators at either 1 year or an average of nearly 2 years post-transfer from a reentry assessment facility. In addition, neither the actuarial tool nor any of the self-perception variables was found to statistically significantly predict a combined outcome of any halfway house failure or rearrest at an average follow-up period of nearly 2 years. Finally, results revealed that feedback recipients, and feedback recipients who showed relevant gains (i.e., increases in motivation, treatment readiness, or concordance with assessment results), were not statistically significantly distinct from other participants on any outcomes. These results are discussed in light of the extensive research that has been conducted with the Level of Service family of criminogenic risk-needs assessment tools, as well as the more modest literatures concerning offender self-perceptions and pre-treatment interventions, culminating in suggestions for future research and implications for practice.
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Details
- Title
- The prediction of criminal recidivism using self- and evaluator appraised risk and needs
- Creators
- Christopher Michael King - DU
- Contributors
- Kirk Heilbrun (Advisor) - Drexel University, Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 7080; 991014632249604721