NCJ Number
218853
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 44 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 39-57
Date Published
2006
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study examined differences in the effects of self-esteem on recidivism for both male and female offenders and for Black and White offenders.
Abstract
The study results failed to find a significant and direct association between self-esteem and arrest or incarceration for adult male and female offenders. On the other hand, interactions between race and self-esteem significantly predicted arrest. Specifically, as self-esteem increased for Blacks, regardless of gender, arrest was more likely. Even more interestingly, the findings indicated the exact opposite for Whites: as self-esteem increased for White men and women, the likelihood of arrest decreased. Thus, regardless of gender, low self-esteem appears to be a risk factor for arrest for White offenders while high self-esteem appears to be a risk factor for arrest for Black offenders. The results suggest that targeting low self-esteem for all offenders is not recommended and that risk factors may vary by group. Thus, a one-size-fits-all approach to rehabilitation may not be in the best interests of society. Future research should analyze the interaction of class and self-esteem on the likelihood of arrest. Data on 280 offenders were gathered from client files and included demographics, criminal history, and risk and need assessments. Each offender also completed a self-administered questionnaire focusing on self-esteem and recidivism. Follow-up recidivism data were also gathered through official records after offenders were in the community for a period of 15 to 34 months. Recidivism data included arrest and incarceration information. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. Tables, notes, references