Using Bibliotherapy to Enhance Probation and Reduce Recidivism

Abstract

Prior research indicates that probation programs that include efforts to change cognitive orientations and social patterns can enhance their effectiveness. This article reports an evaluation of an enhanced probation program, Changing Lives Through Literature, which uses a form of bibliotherapy to increase its rehabilitative effect. Controlling for offense histories, offender characteristics, jurisdiction, and propensity scores, rates of recidivism are compared between probationers who participated in the program and a random sample of potentially eligible probationers in the same jurisdictions and time periods. A limited observational study of program process suggests that changes occurred in participants' cognitive orientations and social styles. As hypothesized, the rate of recidivism and offense severity declined for program participants more than for those in the comparison group, after the controls and in all jurisdictions studied. Possible reasons for the program's value are reviewed, including its adherence to evidence-based principles recommended by the National Institute of Corrections ( 2005 National Institute of Corrections . ( 2005 ). Implementing evidence-based practice in community corrections: The principles of effective intervention . Washington , DC : National Institute of Corrections . [Google Scholar] ); recommendations are made for more extended program sessions and more extensive evaluative research.