NCJ Number
86381
Date Published
1981
Length
41 pages
Annotation
A review of worldwide literature on behavior therapy in corrections indicates that two themes predominate: (1) ethical concerns and (2) effectiveness of different modes in altering behavior and bringing about rehabilitation. Although a sound body of empirical research is developing, some problems with results and with applying behavior therapy in an institutional environment exist.
Abstract
The best studies in terms of design and documentation involve behavior therapy with juveniles, particularly in token economies inside institutions. Milan and McKee (1974) found that behavior therapy with juveniles produces better results than traditional methods. Alexander and Parsons (1973) discovered the success of behavior therapy used with family therapy and followup. Problems exist with research done in this area though. Emery and Marholm (1977) revealed that only 3.7 percent included followup data, despite their noting positive results. Later a second survey found 37 percent with followup data but with a followup time period of under 1 year. Special difficulties also occur in applying behavior therapy in institutions. The rights of the inmate come into question, and in the United States a number of inmate suits have arisen challenging the propriety of altering behavior in institutions where consent is restricted. In addition, results produced in controlled institutional settings may not hold in the free world. Inmates, furthermore, often have complex behavioral problems that cannot be separated easily for the purposes of therapy, or their undersirable behavior (e.g., murder) occurs so infrequently as to be a poor candidate for operant techniques. Behavior therapy appears to hold greatest promise for treating psychiatric problems such as sexual perversions, abuse, phobias; as part of a probation or parole program, or in altering the behavior of the institution as a whole. Examples of behavior therapy applied in several institutions in the United States and Britain are described. About 65 references are included.