Showing papers by "Francis T. Cullen published in 1990"

Does correctional treatment work? a clinically relevant and psychologically informed meta-analysis *

Abstract: Careful reading of the literature on the psychology of criminal conduct and of prior reviews of studies of treatment effects suggests that neither criminal sanctioning without provision of rehabilitative service nor servicing without reference to clinical principles of rehabilitation will succeed in reducing recidivism. What works, in our view, is the delivery of appropriate correctional service, and appropriate service reflects three psychological principles: (1) delivery of service to higher risk cases, (2) targeting of criminogenic needs, and (3) use of styles and modes of treatment (e.g., cognitive and behavioral) that are matched with client need and learning styles. These principles were applied to studies of juvenile and adult correctional treatment, which yielded 154 phi coefficients that summarized the magnitude and direction of the impact of treatment on recidivism. The effect of appropriate correctional service (mean phi = .30) was significantly (p <.05) greater than that of unspecified correctional service (.13), and both were more effective than inappropriate service (−.06) and non-service criminal sanctioning (−.07). Service was effective within juvenile and adult corrections, in studies published before and after 1980, in randomized and nonrandomized designs, and in diversionary, community, and residential programs (albeit, attenuated in residential settings). Clinical sensitivity and a psychologically informed perspective on crime may assist in the renewed service, research, and conceptual efforts that are strongly indicated by our review.

Public Support for Correctional Treatment The Tenacity of Rehabilitative Ideology

Abstract: For the past decade or so, scholars have joined with politicians in suggesting that citizens manifest little support for correctional treatment. Based on a 1986 survey of Cincinnati and Columbus residents, we present data that question this broad assumption. The data indicate that rehabilitation receives considerable support, though this is most pronounced for certain offenders and for certain treatment modalities. In general, the study reinforces the finding of a growing body of revisionist research that the public retains faith in rehabilitation as a legitimate goal of the correctional process.

How Satisfying is Prison Work? A Comparative Occupational Approach.

Abstract: Academic and popular literature typically depict employment as a correctional officer as “dirty work” that is brutalizing and dissatisfying. By contrast, available survey data suggest that most officers perceive prison work as satisfying. The present study attempted to assess these competing positions by investigating levels of job satisfaction among a sample of southern guards and by comparing these results with data drawn from a national employment survey. The analysis revealed that, while most guards express satisfaction with their work, the level of officer job satisfaction is lower than that of any other occupational category. This finding, however, is specified by educational status, with college graduates manifesting little satisfaction and those with the least education having satisfaction scores above the national mean. The paper concludes by arguing for the utility of a comparative occupational approach in the study of correctional officers.

Local Prosecutors and Corporate Crime

Abstract: Based on a national survey and interviews, this article describes the attitudes and practices of local prosecutors regarding corporate crime. Although most local prosecutors did not regard corporate crime as a serious problem, their willingness to prosecute increases if an offense causes substantial harm and other agencies fail to act. Despite repeated calls for coordinated responses to corporate crime, relatively few local prosecutors participate in interagency control networks. Those in control networks, however, conducted more prosecutions and expressed greater concern over corporate crime. The commitment of organizational resources and resulting career opportunities thereby created may explain differences between network and nonnetwork districts.

Scandal and Reform in Collegiate Athletics.

Abstract: In recent times, increasing concern has been raised over the status of "big time" collegiate athletics. NCAA investigations have turned up widespread and often repeated instances of serious rule infractions. Cheating in the area of recruitment and payoffs by "boosters" to star players seem ubiquitous. Indeed, as of the early part of 1989, twenty-five institutions were under NCAA sanctions for "improper recruiting," "improper benefits to athletes," or similar forms of misconduct [2, p. A-40]. Most noteworthy, at Southern Methodist University, repeated and flagrant rule violations prompted the NCAA to impose on the university's football program the "death penalty"a prohibition on the scheduling of games [9, 19]. The resulting national publicity triggered a pervasive and poignant reconsideration of the place of athletics within academia. Other problems also plague collegiate sports. Revelations of athletes' drug use ranging from alcohol to cocaine to steroids have earned considerable media attention [1]. Inquiries into athletes' substance abuse reached a high point in the aftermath of the tragic, cocaine-related death of Len Bias, a Maryland basketball player. The NCAA has responded by subjecting athletes to a mandatory, random drug testing program. Though the policy has been challenged in the courts as an invasion of privacy, a recent United States District Court decision deemed the testing program constitutionally sound [13].