Neuropsychological and Emotional Deficits Predict Correction

Project Summary for 2002-MU-BX-0013 This 3-year prospective research project involves 200 inmates in the Maryland Corrections System entering its cognitive behavior therapy program. Under the premise that inmates who exhibit deficits in executive cognitive function fail to succeed in cognitive behavior therapy programs, this evaluation will assess (1) the role of executive cognitive function and emotional deficits in aggressive inmates, (2) the usefulness of neuropsychological and emotional measures in characterizing this subgroup, and (3) the ability of these measures to predict treatment response and institutional misconduct. Additionally, emotional stress responses will be monitored, pre-and post-intervention decision making techniques will be measured, and psychological tests will be administered and executive cognitive function deficits will be evaluated. The battery of tests used to determine executive cognitive function will be assessed to determine the tests predictive validity and will elucidate some underlying mechanisms in subtypes of inmates that will assist counselors and corrections staff to develop targeted treatment strategies. Ca/ncf