A Randomized Controlled Trial of ACTV versus T4C for Community Reentry: Differential Efficacy and Mechanisms of Change

This proposal seeks to evaluate an alternative to conventional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that seeks to address offender’s adherence to antisocial thoughts and values. CBT programs, such as Thinking-for-Change (T4C), seek to modify offender criminogenic thoughts and values, yet evaluations have not shown that offender criminogenic attitudes change dramatically, even in desistence. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) evolved from CBT but seeks to promote decoupling of actions from antisocial thoughts. Participants in ACT learn different, prosocial responses to their thought processes. The research team proposes to conduct a randomized-controlled trial (RCT) of 300 participants from the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility (FDCF). Participants will be randomized into either T4C or ACT for a 3-month intervention. Data will be collected for reassessments with an actuarial risk assessment tool, pre- and post-treatment surveys and administrative data on recidivism for a three-year follow-up period. "Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law," and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14). CA/NCF