NCJ Number
205750
Journal
The Prison Journal Volume: 84 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2004 Pages: 171-183
Editor(s)
Rosemary L. Gido
Date Published
June 2004
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether a pattern commonly observed in general clinical and correctional studies, low levels of stress coupled with high levels of criminality, indicates an increased probability of dropping out of a psychoeducational program.
Abstract
Previous studies exploring attrition from correctional programs have found that between 30 and 50 percent of individuals who start such programs do not complete them. Attempts to identify predictors of early termination have failed to discern significant differences between dropouts and program completers. In addition, while the majority of the studies on attrition from correctional programs have been done in large-scale, community- or institution-based programs and therapeutic communities, little information has been obtained on attrition from psychoeducational programming. This research sought to determine if a pattern commonly observed in general clinical and correctional studies, low levels of stress coupled with high levels of criminality, would indicate an increased probability of dropping out of a psychoeducational program. Participants were 207 male inmates housed in a medium-security Federal correctional institution located in the northeastern United States who were enrolled in a 10-week program of psychoeducation. The Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS), a measure of the eight thinking styles believed to be instrumental in maintaining a criminal lifestyle, was administered to the participants during the initial group session and then correlated with future outcome. The researchers predicted that dropouts would score significantly higher on the PICTS thinking style scales than completers. Analysis of the data found that dropouts (n=16) scored higher on 7 of the 8 PICTS thinking style scales, with differences on three of these scales achieving statistical significance. Multivariate analysis found the presence of a significant overall group difference between completers and dropouts, and logistic regression analysis determined that the PICTS successfully predicted attrition, even after controlling for basic demographic measures such as age, education, ethnic status, marital status, and instant offense. These findings suggest that the PICTS can differentiate between program completers and dropouts. While these findings have limited practical use, they may help illustrate the motives of prison inmates who drop out of psychological programs for which they have volunteered. Study limitations are discussed. 2 tables, appendix, 1 note, and 34 references