Showing papers in "Journal of Offender Rehabilitation in 2008"
TL;DR: In this article, a detailed examination of audio taped interviews between 62 probation officers and their clients found relatively poor adherence to some of the basic principles of effec- tive intervention-the principles of Risk, Need and Responsivity.
Abstract: Community supervision has been an integral part of cor- rections since the establishment of probation more than 100 years ago. It has commonly been assumed that offenders benefit from community supervision much more than if they were incarcerated. However, empiri- cal evidence in support of the effectiveness of community supervision in reducing recidivism questions this assumption. A detailed examination of audio taped interviews between 62 probation officers and their clients found relatively poor adherence to some of the basic principles of effec- tive intervention-the principles of Risk, Need and Responsivity. For the most part, probation officers spent too much time on the enforcement aspect of supervision (i.e., complying with the conditions of probation) and not enough time on the service delivery role of supervision. Major criminogenic needs such as antisocial attitudes and social supports for crime were largely ignored and probation officers evidenced few of the skills (e.g., prosocial modeling, differential reinforcement) that could influence behavioral change in their clients. As a snapshot of present practices, this study begins a path to a systematic and structured training agenda to help probation officers become more effective agents of change.
320 citations
TL;DR: There is an emerging paradigm in probation and parole in the United States as discussed by the authors, which encompasses a realization that these forms of supervision of offenders must meet the challenges of an increasing number of parolees and probationers.
Abstract: There is an emerging paradigm in probation and parole in the United States. That new outlook encompasses a realization that these forms of supervision of offenders must meet the challenges of an increasing number of parolees and probationers. Recidivism continues to be the primary outcome measure for probation, as it is for all corrections programs. To implement effective probation programs, several steps appear necessary. State lawmakers can enact policies that can institute evidence-based criminal justice policy changes that can better meet the goals of sentencing. There is a need for the redefinition of the purposes of parole revocations.
162 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors apply Klockar's theory to compare modern models of supervision in their theoretical coherence and effectiveness, at both the officer and program level, and for both general probationers and probationers with mental disorder.
Abstract: Three contemporary models of probation supervision can be differentiated, based on the extent to which they focus on protecting community safety (surveillance model), promoting offender rehabilitation (treatment model), or both (hybrid model). Hybrid models combine dual roles of controlling and caring for probationers. A quarter century ago, Klockars (1972) articulated a theory to describe how the “synthetic” officer reconciles these dual roles to achieve a broader base of power for behavior change and more positive outcomes than the “law enforcement” officer or “therapeutic agent.” In this article, we apply Klockar's theory to compare modern models of supervision in their (a) theoretical coherence and (b) effectiveness, at both the officer and program level, and for both general probationers and probationers with mental disorder. The weight of the evidence for both types of probationers supports the hybrid model. Going back to Klockar's theory may ultimately inform officers' understanding and ad...
119 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a model of the characteristics of sexually aggressive men is described, which emphasizes the convergence of several interrelated factors, such as hostile masculinity and impersonal sexual orientation.
Abstract: A model of the characteristics of sexually aggressive men is described which emphasizes the convergence of several interrelated factors. After enumerating the major factors included in the model and the way we have assessed each, we present data showing that these factors form two largely independent constellations, labeled hostile masculinity and impersonal sexual orientation. The development of the model is considered in the context of theory and research emphasizing the role of sexual and/or power motives underlying rape and other forms of sexual aggression. We compare some aspects of our model to the influential work of Donald Mosher and his associates in assessing the links between a “macho personality” and sexual aggression. Finally, we describe a “risk” analysis which illustrates the potential relevance of our model to clinical prediction.
94 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) personality profiles of 78 females referred by the courts to a domestic violence diversion program were compared to those of a matched sample of 78 males referred to the same program.
Abstract: Women arrested for intimate partner violence raise challenges for those working in domestic violence programs. Theoretically, there is no agreement about whether women are aggressive for the same reasons as men or merely victims fighting back in an abusive relationship. Practically, there is very little research to guide treatment of this population. In the current exploratory study, Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) personality profiles of 78 females referred by the courts to a domestic violence diversion program were compared to those of a matched sample of 78 males referred by the courts to the same program. Compared with male offenders, women were more likely to demonstrate elevated histrionic, narcissistic, and compulsive personality traits, and less likely to demonstrate dependant personality traits. Additionally, women in this study were more likely to display MCMI-III profiles indicating the presence of personality disorders. Implications of these findings for the treatm...
64 citations
TL;DR: The authors compared women in a prison TC program with those in a cognitive-behavioral intervention over two thirds of study subjects received a lifetime diagnosis of severe mental disorder, nearly one-half received a diagnosis of PTSD, and virtually all reported exposure to trauma.
Abstract: This random assignment study compared women in a prison Therapeutic Community (TC) program with those in a cognitive-behavioral intervention Over two thirds of study subjects received a lifetime diagnosis of severe mental disorder, nearly one-half received a diagnosis of PTSD, and virtually all reported exposure to trauma Preliminary analysis (n = 314) found significantly better six-month post-prison outcomes for the TC group on measures of mental health, criminal behavior and HIV-risk behavior These findings suggest the short-term effectiveness of prison TC treatment for female offenders with substance use disorders, and underscore the importance of adapting treatment to address mental health
52 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined recidivism rates over a 15-year period among former inmates who learned the Transcendental Meditation (TM)1 program at a maximum security prison in California.
Abstract: This study examined recidivism rates over a 15-year period among former inmates who learned the Transcendental Meditation (TM)1 program at a maximum security prison in California. Recidivism outcomes for participants in the TM program were compared with those of matched controls using survival analysis, a general statistical technique for analysis of failure processes. With recidivism defined as rearrest leading to felony conviction, the TM group had a 46.7% recidivism rate during the follow-up period compared to 66.7% for the controls. Survival analysis, using a variety of statistical models and controlling for 22 demographic and criminal background variables, showed that this decrease was statistically significant. Survival analysis based on the Cox regression model indicated that risk of recidivism was reduced by 43.5% (p = .0008). The most appropriate model for the data was found to be a split population Weibull model allowing for immunity to relapse. This model indicated that 58.1% of the TM...
46 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used a sample of 580 juvenile offenders released from out-of-home placements, and regressed 18-month recidivism on 33 possible predictors.
Abstract: Using a sample of 580 juvenile offenders released from out-of-home placements, this study regressed 18-month recidivism on 33 possible predictors. Over 52 percent of juveniles had new adjudications. Only gender, age, victimization history, and presence of special education needs significantly predicted recidivism. When separate models were estimated for males and females, most of these variables remained significant for males, but none were predictive of female recidivism; the only variable predictive of the latter was previous out-of-home placements. Points of consistency and inconsistency with previous research are discussed, as are implications of the findings for aftercare programming and future research.
43 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors suggest that the goal of long-term public safety will be most likely achieved if the unique technical capabilities of electronic monitoring are used in conjunction with interventions based on social learning theory.
Abstract: Electronic monitoring was originally designed as a system to facilitate the rehabilitation of young adult offenders. The concept was not well-received, and the first judicially sanctioned program was not initiated until 20 years later. Adoption of the technology then spread rapidly. The primary use of monitoring has evolved from being an adjunct for rehabilitation of low-risk probationers to a surveillance system for enforcing curfew and house arrest requirements. There are no replicated, well-designed studies showing that monitoring alone reduces recidivism after monitoring is terminated. The authors suggest that the goal of long-term public safety will be most likely achieved if the unique technical capabilities of electronic monitoring are used in conjunction with interventions based on social learning theory.
41 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between loneliness and known predictors of self-harm, such as depression and hopelessness, and found that prisoners who scored higher on a measure of loneliness reported higher levels of depression, hopelessness and indicators of suicidal behaviour.
Abstract: Suicide in prisons has been seen as a public health concern reaching crisis proportions around the world. In this study, data from 60 inmates in a South Australian remand facility were used to examine the relationship between loneliness and known predictors of self-harm, such as depression and hopelessness. As predicted, the results suggested that prisoners who scored higher on a measure of loneliness reported higher levels of depression, hopelessness and indicators of suicidal behaviour. The implications of these findings for suicide management are discussed. It is concluded that whilst specialist mental health services are needed to treat problems such as depression, loneliness is something that may be managed by correctional staff with no professional experience or training.
40 citations
TL;DR: Part III of the Walpole Prison Study builds on the earlier longitudinal and cross-sectional findings in Parts I and II that reported reduced psychopathology and accelerated psychological development in members of the Transcendental Meditation1 prison program as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Part III of the Walpole Prison Study builds on the earlier longitudinal and cross-sectional findings in Parts I and II that reported reduced psychopathology and accelerated psychological development in members of the Transcendental Meditation1 prison program. Part III is a retrospective investigation of recidivism among 286 inmates released from Walpole prison, who were followed for up to 59 months. The sample comprised all subjects from the following sources who had been released six months prior to data collection: (a) all inmates who had learned the TM program at Wal-pole; (b) random samples of four other prison programs at Walpole (counseling, drug rehabilitation, Christian, and Muslim); (c) a random sample of the Walpole inmate population; and (d) subjects who were tested longitudinally in the prior Walpole studies. The rate of return to prison for a stay of 30 days or more was 32% among inmates who practiced the TM technique compared to 48% for a combined control group comprised of members ...
TL;DR: The Step'n Out study will randomize 450 drug-involved parolees to collaborative behavioral management or usual parole, and follow-up at 3 and 9-months will assess primary outcomes of rearrest, crime and drug use.
Abstract: This article describes the rationale, study design, and implementation for the Step'n Out study of the Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies. Step'n Out tests the relative effectiveness of collaborative behavioral management of drug-involved parolees. Collaborative behavioral management integrates the roles of parole officers and treatment counselors to provide role induction counseling, contract for pro-social behavior, and deliver contingent reinforcement of behaviors consistent with treatment objectives. The Step'n Out study will randomize 450 drug-involved parolees to collaborative behavioral management or usual parole. Follow-up at 3-and 9-months will assess primary outcomes of rearrest, crime and drug use. If collaborative behavioral management is effective, its wider adoption could improve the outcomes of community reentry of drug-involved ex-offenders.
TL;DR: The MMPI-2 scale has been widely used in many areas of professional forensic psychology, including the evaluation of criminal offenders for rehabilitation purposes as discussed by the authors, but not all of these applications are well-supported by strong empirical evidence.
Abstract: The MMPI-2 continues to be widely used in many areas of professional forensic psychology, including the evaluation of criminal offenders for rehabilitation purposes. While many possible applications of the MMPI exist, not all are well-supported by strong empirical evidence. The origins of the scale among psychiatric populations suggest some utility in detecting other forms of psychopathology in use with offenders. In many applications with offenders, the utility of the validity scales and indicators of the MMPI/MMPI-2 in the detection of invalid or questionable profiles may rival the interpretation of the clinical scales in value. This commentary summarizes issues and research upon the nature and utility of the MMPI/MMPI-2 scales and indices that have been developed to detect various forms of response distortion that can affect the validity of the instrument.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present qualitative data from 618 probationers and parolees to explain why those who have experienced imprisonment are less willing to serve community sanctions than their counterparts, and more likely to serve prison.
Abstract: Recent work has demonstrated that many offenders will choose to serve prison rather than any amount of a community-based sanction. This primarily quantitative research has found that offender-generated exchange rates are influenced by a wide variety of experiences and characteristics. Missing from this literature is a qualitative evaluation of why offenders might make this choice. We present qualitative data from 618 probationers and parolees to explain why those who have experienced imprisonment are less willing to serve community sanctions than their counterparts, and more willing to serve prison. Results hold implications for deterrence, recidivism, rehabilitation, and correctional policy issues.
TL;DR: A new generation of innovations is occurring in the supervision field that is directed at changing the interaction between the offender and the supervision employee for the purpose of building a rapport that can lead to behavior change.
Abstract: Supervision is an undervalued part of the correctional services. Over the last three decades, innovations have focused on increasing the number of contacts between the offender and the supervision employee, to little avail. A new generation of innovations is occurring in the supervision field that is directed at changing the interaction between the offender and the supervision employee for the purpose of building a rapport that can lead to behavior change. The question is whether supervision, that is focused on the contextual factors such as the rapport between the offender and supervision employee, can be delivered. The historical context for this change in style of supervision is provided as well as description of several articles that are geared to new models for delivering supervision services. In other words, is organizational change possible in supervision agencies, and if so, how will this occur? Or will this generation of supervision be a repeat of history where the rhetoric sounded good ...
TL;DR: In this article, an intensive case management treatment program for mentally ill offenders (MIOs) is outlined, and subsequent recidivism of participants is evaluated. Features of the program and its development are discussed.
Abstract: An intensive case management treatment program for mentally ill offenders (MIOs) is outlined, and subsequent recidivism of participants is evaluated. Features of the program and its development are discussed. Sixty-four (64) participants released from state prison between 1998 and 2003 were matched with a group of MIOs released earlier on eight established predictors of recidivism and followed for a period of two years. Significant results indicate felony recidivism for program participants was just over half the rate of matched controls (23% vs 42%.) More impressive results were found (15% vs 38%) when only data for participants enrolled after the first year were analyzed. Limitations and implications are discussed.
TL;DR: It is suggested that many components of current reentry guides need to be reevaluated and redesigned in order to maximize their effectiveness with prisoners returning to the community.
Abstract: The need for strong discharge planning materials which includes reentry guides assumes increasing importance with the large numbers of prisoners being discharged. They return to their communities and need to secure housing, find employment, obtain health care, and in many instances, on-going treatment for substance abuse and mental illness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the content, readability and interactive nature of 13 reentry guides given to prisoners after release. This study suggests that many components of current reentry guides need to be reevaluated and redesigned in order to maximize their effectiveness with prisoners returning to the community.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the potential consequences that arise when community-based sanctions are applied to groups of offenders who have traditionally been outside of the scope of these sanctions, i.e., those who have been using electronic monitoring technologies.
Abstract: In recent years, increased legislative attention has been given to strategies to supervise sex offenders in the community. Among other policies, several states have passed laws calling for the use of electronic monitoring technologies to supervise sex offenders in the community. When initially developed, this community-based sanction was designed for less serious offenders. As a result, probation and parole officers who have been using electronic monitoring technologies have likely had little exposure to the sex offender population. Alternatively, those who have historically worked with sex offenders have had little exposure to electronic monitoring strategies. In the end, those supervising sex offenders in the community will need to be familiar with two divergent areas (e.g., electronic monitoring and sex offending) as well as the potential consequences that arise when community-based sanctions are applied to groups of offenders who have traditionally been outside of the scope of these sanctions...
TL;DR: In this article, an expanded Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery was administered to 584 adult offenders (OF), 132 normal controls (NC), and 494 acute psychiatric patients (PP).
Abstract: This report is primarily concerned with reporting on the normative results obtained on a large sample of serious adult offenders. An expanded Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery was administered to 584 adult offenders (OF), 132 normal controls (NC), and 494 acute psychiatric patients (PP). Subjects were between 18 and 44 years of age. Descriptive statistics for all neuropsychological measures are reported. Impairment analyses indicate substantial neuropsychological impairment in the OF and PP groups, especially on measures of executive function and verbal capacities. The neuropsychology of the prefrontal cortex and of Attentional Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Conduct Disorder is reviewed. This review, in the context of the present findings, supports a working hypothesis that the executive deficits and behavioral disinhibition of offenders represent heterotypic continuities of brain dysfunction among some children with disruptive behavior disorders. Implications for research, the ...
TL;DR: Preliminary evidence that ACT is best suited for reentry into the mental health system is provided by reporting reduced arrests and hospital admissions for an ACT jail aftercare team.
Abstract: This article describes a mental health evidence based practice, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT). While ACT has scientific support, it has not been rigorously tested for persons with a severe mental illness and repeated forensic involvement. This article provides preliminary evidence that ACT is best suited for reentry into the mental health system by reporting reduced arrests and hospital admissions for an ACT jail aftercare team. ACT both facilitates formal diversion and linkage mechanisms between the criminal and mental health systems and engages and prepares persons with mental illness for integration into the mental health system.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the results of an evaluation study of a diversion program, operated by the Miami-Dade County Juvenile Assessment Center in Florida, with regard to one-year follow-up recidivism.
Abstract: We report the results of an evaluation study of a diversion program, operated by the Miami-Dade County Juvenile Assessment Center in Florida. The Post-Arrest Diversion (PAD) program represents an innovative approach to treatment and intervention within the juvenile justice system that utilizes standardized psychosocial risks and needs assessment to provide individual treatment for first-time, non-violent juvenile offenders. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of the PAD program with regard to one-year follow-up recidivism. The sample is comprised of 409 youths (255 male; 154 female) who entered PAD between April and June of 2003. Stepwise, Poisson and OLS regression analyses of the effects of socio-demographic characteristics, type of charges leading to program involvement, recidivism risk level, PAD completion, and arrests while in PAD on the number of recidivism arrests and charges were conducted. The findings suggest that successful completion of PAD significantly reduces recidivism.
TL;DR: In this paper, 69 male adolescent sex offenders completed the 60-item, 12-factor Yalom Card Sort and rated Instillation of Hope three ranks higher, Family Reenactment four ranks higher; and Interpersonal Learning (input), eight ranks lower.
Abstract: Following 11–98 weeks of inpatient residential treatment, 69 male adolescent sex offenders completed the 60-item, 12-factor Yalom Card Sort. The rank orders were compared to adult sex offenders and a psychiatric adult outpatient group. Relative to adult psychiatric outpatients, the adolescent sex offenders had rated Instillation of Hope three ranks higher; Family Reenactment, four ranks higher; and Interpersonal Learning (input), eight ranks lower. In comparison to adult sex offenders, both Instillation of Hope and Universality were rated three ranks higher, and Interpersonal Learning (input) was rated four ranks lower. Rankings were correlated with age and treatment length. As age increased, the ranking of Family Reenactment decreased and as treatment length increased so did the importance of Group Cohesiveness. Implications for adolescent sex offender treatment are discussed.
TL;DR: The authors compared punishment exchange rates generated by criminal court judges and their supervising officers to those generated by offenders, and found that none of the three groups rates prison as the most severe sanction and judges and officers rate alternatives as significantly less severe than offenders.
Abstract: Recent work suggests that offenders rate several alternatives as more severe than imprisonment. We build on this literature by comparing punishment exchange rates generated by criminal court judges with rates generated by offenders and their supervising officers. Findings reveal that none of the three groups rates prison as the most severe sanction and judges and officers rate alternatives as significantly less severe than offenders. Offenders are generally willing to serve less of each alternative to avoid imprisonment than judges or officers. Serving correctional sanctions thus appears to reduce the perceived severity of imprisonment and increase the perceived severity of alternatives.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined staff perceptions of juvenile intensive supervision program goals and frequency of offender violations and identified factors staff consider in pursuing revocation and alternatives they use to avert revocation.
Abstract: This study examines staff perceptions of juvenile intensive supervision program goals and frequency of offender violations. It identifies factors staff consider in pursuing revocation and alternatives they use to avert revocation. Staff prioritized rehabilitation behind other goals. Regardless of whether they considered probated or aftercare cases, technical violations were perceived as the most frequent violation, and these weighed heavily in revocation decisions. Other factors given most weight included seriousness of prior and current offenses as well as substance abuse. Alternatives to revocation most likely to be pursued were oriented more toward control than rehabilitation. Implications of these findings are discussed.
TL;DR: This paper explored how punishments philosophies in the U.S. have changed in the last thirty years, and examined current opinion research that focuses on the re-enfranchisement or enfranchisement of convicted felons.
Abstract: Due to their original intent, collateral consequences, such as felon voting restrictions, are still held to be civil in nature, but increasing evidence shows that over time their results have become punitive. Since felon disenfranchisement occurs as a collateral consequence once an individual has been convicted of a felony it arguably qualifies as an issue under the broader subject of punishment. If felony disenfranchisement was legally considered a punishment in 2007, would evolving standards of decency support its continued use? To answer this question this article will explore how punishments philosophies in the U.S. have changed in the last thirty years, then it will examine current opinion research that focuses on the re-enfranchisement or enfranchisement of convicted felons.
TL;DR: This paper examined a series of interactions between a prior history of suicidal behavior and cognitions permissive of suicide, and the variables of depression and hopelessness in the relationship with suicidal ideation in two samples of incarcerated offenders.
Abstract: The current study examines a series of interactions between a prior history of suicidal behavior and cognitions permissive of suicide, and the variables of depression and hopelessness in the relationship with suicidal ideation in two samples of incarcerated offenders. Results indicate that both a prior history of suicidal behavior and cognitions permissive of suicide interact with depression and hopelessness in a multiple regression equation with the outcome of suicidal ideation. A second study confirms and extends the initial findings. Taken together, the interactions in these studies account for four and 19% of additional variance in the relationship with suicidal ideation. The results indicate that certain suicide-related variables are multiplicative in their relationship. The discussion considers the variables within an empirically derived multidimensional framework.
TL;DR: A survey of parole officers and supervisors from 20 parole offices was conducted to determine whether agencies that employ officers with distinctly enforcement-oriented attitudes are more likely to be resistant to engage in organizational change and whether a lack of consistency among supervisor and line officer attitudes toward change and organizational culture impacts the ability of the agency to affect change as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Parole officer attitudes and orientation can impact offender outcome (Fulton, Stichman, Travis & Latessa, 1997) and jurisdictions that employ a balanced approach to supervision including graduated responses and treatment and services result in more favorable offender outcomes compared with jurisdictions that endorse surveillance-only policies (Sherman, Gottfredson, Eck, Reuter, & Bushway, 1997). A survey of parole officers and supervisors from 20 parole offices was conducted to determine whether agencies that employ officers with distinctly enforcement-oriented attitudes are more likely to be resistant to engage in organizational change and whether a lack of consistency among supervisor and line officer attitudes toward change and organizational culture impacts the ability of the agency to affect change. Results indicate no significant changes in attitude on the majority of scales that assessed change in the six months since EBP was initiated in this paroling agency and a lack of continuity betwe...
TL;DR: In this paper, a repeated-measures study investigated effects of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique on physiological and psychological variables in 17 prison inmates and found that after 2 months, inmates showed increased stability of the autonomic nervous system, as indicated by fewer spontaneous skin resistance responses (SSRR), p <.001.
Abstract: This repeated-measures study investigated effects of the Transcendental Meditation1 technique on physiological and psychological variables in 17 prison inmates. After practicing the technique for 2 months, inmates showed increased stability of the autonomic nervous system, as indicated by fewer spontaneous skin resistance responses (SSRR), p < .001. They also showed reductions in rigidity, obsessive thoughts, and compulsive behavior, as indicated by two scales on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), decreased Psychasthenia (MMPI scale 7, p < .025), and decreased Social Introversion (MMPI scale 10, p < .05). Regularity of practice correlated significantly with the percentage decrease in SSRR (r = .74, N = 12, p < .01). In turn, decreased SSRR correlated with decreased Psychasthenia (r = .68, p < .025). This correlation between increasing stability of the autonomic nervous system and reductions in rigid or obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior is consistent with studies in o...
TL;DR: The Admnistrative Office of the U.S. Courts has undergone a series of philosophical, policy, and funding changes that intend to move the system towards an outcome-based focus as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Since 2002, the Admnistrative Office of the U.S. Courts, in conjunction with Federal Districts around the country, has undergone a series of philosophical, policy, and funding changes that intend to move the system towards an outcome-based focus. This article describes the history, current status of the system's attempts to become evidence-based, and a model of organizational change for supervision agencies.
TL;DR: In this article, four motivational factors were examined as predictors of treatment effectiveness for 48 male child molesters seen in outpatient therapy and found that acceptance of responsibility for sexual deviancy consistently proved to be an effective predictor of favorable treatment outcome.
Abstract: Four motivational factors were examined as predictors of treatment effectiveness for 48 male child molesters seen in outpatient therapy. Clients participated in about one year of multi-modal cognitive/behavioral therapy. Acceptance of the problem, attendance, promptness, and level of participation in therapy sessions were used as predictors in regression analyses of two outcome variables: (1) mastery of the principles and concepts from the cognitive/behavioral therapies as measured by proficiency tests and (2) mastery of aversive conditioning procedures as measured by penile plethysmographic monitoring of sexual arousal. Results support earlier findings in the literature that client motivation is related to successful treatment outcome. Motivational factors were more predictive of mastery over cognitive/behavioral therapy approaches than of changes in sexual arousal patterns. Acceptance of responsibility for sexual deviancy consistently proved to be an effective predictor of favorable treatment outcome. R...