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Erhard Seminars Training (EST) in Correctional Settings - A Review

NCJ Number
71004
Author(s)
J H Tanji
Date Published
1979
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This Hawaiian report reviews the printed materials, published and unpublished, on the extent and the effectiveness of the Erhard Seminars Training (EST) programs in U.S. correctional settings.
Abstract
Results of a literature search and a survey response from 23 corrections departments representing 25 States indicate little empirical evidence on EST's effectiveness in corrections. Created in 1971 by Werner Erhard, the EST training is based on a 4-day session conducted during 2 consecutive weekends and is described by its founder as encouraging persons to experience themselves as the creators of their own circumstances; that is, individuals can cause their life events rather than being victims of events. Most EST correctional training has been conducted with inmates within the California Federal Correctional Institutions of Lompoc and San Quentin. Evaluations have largely relied on self-reports and testimonies by participants and on opinions and judgments of prison community officials. In addition, evaluation instruments were sometimes questionable or used too small a number of subjects in experimental and control groups which minimized positive outcomes. More rigid evaluations are in process at Trenton State Prison; comprehensive evaluation design includes a 6-month, 1-year, and 18-month followup of those released. It is recommended that Hawaii await further results, particularly from the Lompoc followup study, before replication. Further, should Hawaii undertake EST training for adult or juvenile offenders, a rigid experimental design, including carefully matched and randomly assigned experimental and control groups, systematic data collection, and followup assessment with objective criteria, should be used. References are given. Appendixes include a list of survey respondents, the survey letter, the California Psychological Inventory and the Personal Orientation Inventory.