Abstract
This study attempted to determine the effects of the Reasoning and Rehabilitation Cognitive Skills Training
Program on recidivism rates on a sample of offenders
serving probated terms. Twenty four subjects received
the Cognitive Skills Training, 31 received the Crossroads
Lifeskills Program and 15 received no treatment. Results
showed no differences in recidivism rates overall nor
by risk level between all three groups over a three month
period. However, there was evidence the cognitive program
was more effective with those subjects who evidenced
Strategies for Case Supervision environmental structuring
or casework control type characteristics. The analysis
further revealed the group that was most deficient in
social cognitive skills failed to complete the treatment.
Suggestions are offered in response to the dropout problem
as well as for future replications. Historical patterns
of unemployment, limited vocational skills and illicit
drug use were found to be associated with higher recidivism
rates. Methodological limitations are also discussed.
