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Article
A Quasi Experimental Evaluation of Thinking for a Change: A Real-World" Application
Criminal Justice and Behavior
  • Christopher T. Lowenkamp, University of Cincinnati
  • Dana Jones Hubbard, Cleveland State University
  • Mathew D. Makarios, University of Cincinnati
  • Edward J. Latessa, University of Cincinnati
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2009
Abstract

Due to the popularity of cognitive behavioral interventions, programs that follow this model are often assumed to be effective. Yet evaluations of specific programs have been slow in coming. The current investigation seeks to bridge this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of Thinking for a Change (TFAC), a widely used cognitive behavioral curriculum for offenders. Furthermore, this evaluation provides a “real-world” test of TFAC, because it was implemented by line staff in a community corrections agency as opposed to being a pilot project implemented by program developers. The results of the analyses indicate that offenders participating in the TFAC program had a significantly lower recidivism rate than similar offenders that were not exposed to the program.

DOI
10.1177/0093854808328230
Version
Postprint
Citation Information
Lowenkamp, C. T., Hubbard, D., Makarios, M. D., , & Latessa, E. J. (2009). A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of Thinking for a Change. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 36(2), 137-146. doi:10.1177/0093854808328230