Evaluation of a cognitive skills programme for male prisoners – exploring treatment effectiveness. Issue 4 (5th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ireland, Jane L.; Bates-Gaston, Jackie; Markey, Kevin; Greenwood, Leah; Ireland, Carol A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of criminological research, policy and practice. Volume 2:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 244
• Page End: 249
• Publication Date: 2016-12-05
• Subjects: Prisoners -- Reliable change -- Treatment -- Clinical change -- Cognitive skills -- Positive change; Criminology -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; 364.05
• DOI: 10.1108/JCRPP-06-2016-0011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-3841

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide an evaluation of a cognitive skills programme (Enhanced Thinking Skills) with adult prisoners. Design/methodology/approach: A pre- and post-treatment design with 171 male prisoners, using self-report psychometric measures. Findings: Significant differences were found in the direction expected. Clinical recovery using stringent methods was not indicated, although improvement/partial response was across a number of domains. Practical implications: Expectations for treatment outcome for short-term interventions should be more realistic; cognitive skills programmes may be best considered as precursors to longer term therapies; treatment outcome should focus on improvement and not recovery. Originality/value: This study represents the first prison study to distinguish between levels of positive change. It questions previous interpretations of treatment outcome.