Abstract
Objectives
This study evaluated whether the Reasoning and Rehabilitation (R&R2) program was effective in reducing recidivism, minimizing dropout rates, and improving outcomes related to attitudes, behaviors, and personality among people living in detention.
Methods
Data were collected in eight Swiss German-speaking prisons among males detained for violent offenses using a quasi-experimental controlled design (R&R2: n = 129, treatment as usual [TAU]: n = 84). Measures included recidivism, dropout rate, and self-report questionnaires (hostile attribution bias, aggressiveness, interpersonal problems, and willingness to accept responsibility). Data were analyzed using mixed-effect models.
Results
Participants in the R&R2 group were less likely to reoffend in comparison with the TAU group in the intention-to-treat (n = 51, odds ratio = 0.75, p = .060) and the per-protocol (excluding dropouts; n = 38, odds ratio = 0.65, p = .068) analyses. They also had lower self-reported scores of spontaneous and reactive aggressiveness (p = .047 and p = .070) and excitability (p = .086).
Conclusions
The findings of this pilot project were promising, with the R&R2 program leading to reduced recidivism and dropout rate. Even though these results should be considered preliminary, the R&R2 program appeared to be a relevant approach in reducing recidivism after prison.
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Acknowledgments
We are grateful to the many researchers and students who gave generously of their time over the years. We would especially like to thank those individuals who agreed to participate in the study and the staff of the penal institutions involved. Without their assistance, this study would not have been possible.
Funding
This research was supported in part by a Swiss Federal Office of Justice grant (11/13/2009). Grant designation: « Neue psychotherapeutische Interventionsprogramme und Evaluationskonzepte im Schweizer Strafvollzug ».
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Bern’s cantonal ethics committee filed letters of non-competence, stating no objection (no. 20/2009 and no. 150/12). All participants provided informed consent before study participation.
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Baggio, S., Weber, M., Rossegger, A. et al. Reducing recidivism using the Reasoning and Rehabilitation program: a pilot multi-site-controlled trial among prisoners in Switzerland. Int J Public Health 65, 801–810 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-020-01372-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-020-01372-9