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RNR-based assessment feedback: reception by offenders and impact on self-perceived risk and needs, motivation for change, and treatment readiness
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RNR-based assessment feedback: reception by offenders and impact on self-perceived risk and needs, motivation for change, and treatment readiness

Christopher Michael King
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2014
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001207
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Abstract

Risk perception--Criminals Correctional psychology-Criminals Psychology
Although there is growing focus in correctional psychology on offenders' motivation for change and readiness for treatment, empirical research on these topics is sparse. This prepost- control study examined offender receptiveness to Risk-Need-Responsivity-based assessment feedback and evaluated the effects of that feedback on self-perceptions of risk and criminogenic needs, motivation for change, and treatment readiness. Sixty-seven adult male prisoners at a private reentry facility were randomly selected and assigned to receive discussion-based feedback, form-based feedback (involving reading a feedback form, listening to a brief explanation, and having the opportunity to ask questions), or no feedback regarding their risk and needs assessment results (Level of Service/Case Management Inventory). Measures of self-perceived risk and needs (Risk Need Perception Survey), motivation for change (University of Rhode Island Change Assessment), and treatment readiness (Correction Victoria Treatment Readiness Questionnaire) were administered prior and subsequent to receipt of feedback. A satisfaction measure (Feedback Helpfulness Questionnaire) was also administered postfeedback. Mixed two-way analysis of variance indicated that motivation for change significantly increased for the discussion-based group after receipt of feedback, and treatment readiness increased for each condition between baseline and follow-up. Both effects were of a moderate magnitude. Post-hoc contrasts also revealed significant differences for treatment readiness both within the discussion-based feedback condition (a moderate-strength effect), and between the discussion-based feedback condition and the control condition at follow-up (a strong effect). Feedback recipients rated the helpfulness of the feedback well above the midpoint of the satisfaction questionnaire. Results suggest that risk-relevant assessment feedback is favorably received by offenders and may impact their motivation for change and treatment readiness, thus representing a promising area for future research.

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