The first set of studies were those from the 1998 review by Dowden that used violent recividism as an outcome measure. The other studies emerged from a literature search of studies published after the Dowden meta-analysis. The present meta-analysis used the Phi Coefficient to measure effect size. The major variables included risk, need, general responsivity, the type of treatment, and the use of human service elements in a justice context. Adherence to each of the four principles of human service, risk, need, and responsivity received empirical support, although not to a statistically significant degree in the case of risk. In addition, a composite measure that reflected adherence to the four principles revealed the greatest average reduction in violent recidivism. Findings indicated that the principles of effective correctional treatment are crucial elements that should receive consideration in developing effective correctional interventions for reducing violent recidivism. Tables notes, appended list of the 35 studies included in the meta-analysis, and 22 references (Author abstract modified)