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Criminal Recidivism Is Predictable and Can Be Influenced: An Update

NCJ Number
165060
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: September 1996 Pages: 42-44
Author(s)
D. A. Andrews
Date Published
September 1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A 1989 article explored how research on risk, need, and other offender characteristics may contribute to the efficient management of offender sentences and to reductions in offender recidivism, and the current article provides an update on the risk principle and risk factors.
Abstract
The risk principle argues that treatment tends to have a greater impact on high-risk offenders than on low-risk offenders. Developments since 1989 have neither convincingly confirmed nor refuted the risk principle, although some recent research supports it. One study revealed that offender treatment resulted in greater delinquency reductions for high-risk young offenders than for low-risk young offenders. Other studies, however, concluded that low-risk offenders had a similar if not greater response to treatment than high-risk offenders. Varying research results suggest that the risk principle should remain a research priority. Over the past few years, progress has been made in understanding risk assessment issues. Major risk factors include antisocial cognitions, antisocial associates, antisocial personality complex, and a history of antisocial behavior. The risk principle helps decide who may benefit most from intensive treatment, while the need principle suggests appropriate targets for such treatment. The most effective treatment modes appear to be behavioral, with a focus on cognitive behavior and social learning. In addition, there is solid research on which to base offender assessment and treatment programs, although the empirical tradition demands that respect for established findings be tempered by healthy skepticism. 19 notes and 3 tables