An agency follow-up outcome study of graduates from four inner-city therapeutic community programs

Using its own resources, a follow-up outcome study of 83 out of 119 (70%) graduates from four therapeutic community programs at two inner-city sites was conducted using the Tennessee Self Concept Scale:2 (TSCS:2) and the Post-Treatment Follow-Up Survey (PTFUS). The TSCS:2 and the PTFUS were completed anonymously by the respondent graduates and collected by research staff independently of program administrative staff and clinical staff. On average, the graduates had completed all formal agency required treatment and had been living independently in the community for nearly 12 months at the time of follow-up. Graduates who participated in the study were separated into one of three TSCS:2 profile groupings: Valid TSCS Profile, Invalid Faking Good (FG), and Invalid Inconsistency, to provide a more meaningful analysis of their outcomes data. All three TSCS:2 groups had favorable outcomes; however, to the extent that PTFUS questions were less specific than more specific, the Invalid FG group self-reported more positive outcomes. Where the PTFUS questions were very specific and concrete, the Valid TSCS Profile group generally had the most favorable outcomes. Implications of these findings are discussed.