The rate of offender recidivism has been an effective tool in measuring the success of the criminal justice system and there have been efforts of several types that aim at reducing the percentage rate of the offenders who re-offend within a specific time period upon re-entry into society. The theoretical basis of the Homebuilder’s Model, which includes the social learning theory of Bandura (1977) as well as the family systems theory of Bowen (1974), can be essential in understanding the means appropriate in reducing offender recidivism. These are essential frameworks in understanding the effective means for criminal justice and these make the basic principles for effective intervention in reducing offender recidivism.
One needs to bear in mind that “effective correctional intervention must produce a change in the offender’s fundamental worldview, especially their perception of authority, rules, and accountability. This marks an essential difference between pro-social and anti-social attitudes and behaviors. Addressing this aspect of anti-social logic is a vital part of effective program strategy.” (Gornik, P. 9). Only principles based on theories such as Bandura’s social learning theory or Bowen’s family systems theory can bring about the desired outcomes.
Social learning and behavioral intervention can be the best methods in the process of reducing offender recidivism. “Offender change and re-socialization require direct instructional methods, modeling, and observation of the individuals in the environment. Behavioral psychologists such as Albert Bandura have shown us the benefit that social learning plays in teaching and modeling socially acceptable behavior.” (Gornik, P. 5). The reduction of offender recidivism is possible only with the help of such psychological framework as the root causes for recidivism have been psychological in nature. Thus, the strongest predictors of recidivism have been identified as “criminogenic need, criminal history/history of antisocial behavior, social achievement, age/gender/race, and family factors. Weaker predictors included intellectual functioning, personal distress (i.e., anxiety, self-esteem), and social class of origin.” (Gendreau et al, 1996-07). These can be effectively managed with the assistance of a theoretical framework.
In an effective treatment of the offender treatment, there are several approaches that are proven most significant. The three principal approaches of sex offender treatment include ”
- the cognitive-behavioral approach, which emphasizes changing patterns of thinking that are related to sexual offending and changing deviant patterns of arousal;
- the psycho-educational approach, which stresses increasing the offender’s concern for the victim and recognition of responsibility for their offense; and
- the pharmacological approach, which is based upon the use of medication to reduce sexual arousal.” (Recidivism of Sex Offenders, 2001).
These principles as well as other complicated strategies of offender recidivism suggest the implications of theoretical background in dealing with the topic of reducing offender recidivism. Thus, in ultimate conclusion, it is remarkable that several theoretical frameworks such as Bandura’s social learning theory or Bowen’s family systems theory play a significant role in the understanding and the treatment of offender recidivism.
References
Gornik, Mark. Moving from Correctional Program to Correctional Strategy: Using Proven Practices to Change Criminal Behavior. P. 9. Web.
Gendreau, Paul et al. Predicting Adult Offender Recidivism: What Works! 1996-07. University of New Brunswick. Web.
Recidivism of Sex Offenders: Impact of Interventions on Sex Offender Recidivism: Treatment. (2001). CSOM Documents. Web.