Cognitive restructuring of jail-based offenders: An outcome study on predicting recidivism

The subjects were male offenders enrolled in a cognitive restructuring program that served domestic perpetrators and those convicted of violent offenses. The purpose of the study was to determine if the General Statistical Information on Recidivism scale (SIR) could assist in determining future risk factors associated with recidivism. Offenders were assigned to a group based on scores identified as “Hi or Low” risk. The finding suggested that the SIR scale had limited capabilities in determining the rate of risk. There were no significant differences in the recidivism rate of African and Euro Americans. There were no statistically significant relationships between length of the sentence, previous conviction, last grade completed in school and SIR scores. Statistical analyses yielded a significant relationship between SIR scores and age at first adult conviction, age at admission, previous conviction of assault, and previous conviction for breaking and entering. The finding show that inmates who were discharged after completing the cognitive-based treatment re-offended. However, the severities of their convictions were less violent