NCJ Number
72278
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1980) Pages: 341-356
Date Published
1980
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Various types of volunteer correctional counseling programs and their trraining components were assessed in terms of group process, participant evaluation, and outcome; results support the use of trained volunteers in systematic controlled activities.
Abstract
Sixty-three volunteers were assigned to 1 of 4 different institutional programs with 50 incarcerated correctional ofenders (trained discussion, untrained discussion, a self-control program and recreation activity) or a delayed-treatment control group. Volunteers were rated on interpersonal skills, and discussions were monitored. An attitude-personality test battery was administered in a prepost design. Participant evaluations were found to be a complex function of the amount and kind of volunteer, and the personality of the client. Trained discussion group volunteers self-reported more tension, and less flexibility than untrained volunteers, although the residents did not describe them as such. Volunteers in the self-control program reported more tension and less flexibility, approachability, and influence relative to the recreation volunteers. Residents rated the self-control volunteers higher in tension but also more approachable and more concrete. Residents expressed a greater appreciation of the noncriminally oriented volunteers. Training had a positive effect on the differential reinforcement of residents' pro- and antisocial statements. All program group volunteers increased on identification with criminal others as a function of their exposure to offenders. Recreation group volunteers also increased on empathy. Recommendations for additional research include a more systematic study of differential reinforcement of offenders' pro- and antisocial statements and a more intensive volunteer training program. Twenty-six references are provided. (Author abstract modified)