Correctional Remediation Meets Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

Abstract

Many correctional services have dedicated considerable effort toward offender rehabilitation programs that aim to reduce recidivism. During the past three decades, cognitive-skills-based programs have been the foundational remediation offered within correctional facilities. These programs appear to reduce recidivism in the range of 10%. One potential for further reductions is to address deficits in offenders’ executive cognitive functioning (ECF), a constellation of abilities that includes planning, inhibition, and thought flexibility. The documented ECF deficits of offenders resemble the deficits experienced by individuals with acquired brain injury or diagnosed with schizophrenia. The body of literature addressing rehabilitation efforts of these two distinct populations provides innovative and empirically supported behavioral treatment strategies that may enrich current offender rehabilitation. Recommendations for assessment and rehabilitation of ECF deficits are discussed.

Acquired Brain Injury and Interventions in the Offender Population: A Systematic Review

“…To date, forensic treatment, which is mostly based on cognitive-behavioral techniques, results in modest improvements in terms of recidivism reduction in only 8-30% of those who complete treatment (43)(44)(45). However, attrition rates are relatively high, on average 30% (46)(47)(48). It is possible that the modest effectiveness of forensic treatment is in part due to ABI-related impairments not sufficiently being taken into account in treatment.…”

Does a Cognitive Skills Training Program for Prisoners Affect Neurocognitive Functioning and Heart Rate Activity?

“…During the last decade, several researchers have suggested that neuroscientific findings might provide us with more insight into how to best intervene with criminal behavior (Beauchaine, Neuhaus, Brenner, & Gatzke-Kopp, 2008;Glenn & Raine, 2014;E. H. Ross & Hoaken, 2010; R. R. Ross & Hilborn, 2008;Van Goozen & Fairchild, 2008;Vaske, Galyean, & Cullen, 2011).…”

“…However, it is unclear as to whether these capacities are actually being targeted or improved (E. H. Ross & Hoaken, 2010). To our knowledge, only three studies have been conducted examining brain functioning after intervention programs aimed to reduce antisocial behavior (Lewis et al, 2008;E.…”

“…Nowadays, several correctional intervention programs (e.g., cognitive skills training and anger management training) claim to address neurocognitive deficits, such as poor problem solving and impulsivity. However, it is unclear as to whether these capacities are actually being targeted or improved (E. H. Ross & Hoaken, 2010).…”

“…Nowadays, several correctional intervention programs (e.g., cognitive skills training and anger management training) claim to address neurocognitive deficits, such as poor problem solving and impulsivity. However, it is unclear as to whether these capacities are actually being targeted or improved (E. H. Ross & Hoaken, 2010). To our knowledge, only three studies have been conducted examining brain functioning after intervention programs aimed to reduce antisocial behavior (Lewis et al, 2008;E.…”