Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
08:27
Applying an eMASS Customization Program as a Research Tool to Evaluate Consumer Benefits
Published on: September 27, 2019
Effectiveness of correctional programs with ethnically diverse offenders: a meta-analytic study
Amelia M Usher1, Lynn A Stewart
1Correctional Service of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology
|December 25, 2012
Summary
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) programs significantly reduce criminal recidivism for Canadian federal offenders. These benefits were observed across diverse ethnic groups, indicating broad effectiveness regardless of background.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is widely studied for reducing criminal recidivism.
- Limited research exists on CBT efficacy across diverse ethnic offender populations.
- Correctional programs in Canada follow Risk, Need, Responsivity principles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analytically examine the effectiveness of correctional programs on recidivism among Canadian federal offenders.
- To investigate if program efficacy differs across self-identified ethnic groups (Caucasian, Aboriginal, Black, Other).
Main Methods:
- Meta-analytic techniques were employed to synthesize study outcomes.
- Within-group analyses compared program participants to non-treatment control groups.
- Outcomes were analyzed based on self-identified ethnic categories.
Main Results:
- Correctional programs showed significant reductions in recidivism, with odds ratios between 1.36 and 1.76.
- Effect sizes were consistently significant across all examined ethnic groups.
- No significant differences in effect size magnitude were found between ethnic groups.
Conclusions:
- Correctional programs based on CBT principles are effective in reducing recidivism for Canadian federal offenders.
- The benefits of these programs are applicable across a wide range of ethnic backgrounds.
- Ethnic status does not appear to be a significant moderator of program effectiveness.
Related Concept Videos
03:20The Stanford Prison Experiment
The famous and controversial Stanford Prison Experiment, conducted by social psychologist Philip Zimbardo and his colleagues at Stanford University, demonstrated the power of social roles, social norms, and scripts.
02:16Surveys
Often, psychologists develop surveys as a means of gathering data. Surveys are lists of questions to be answered by research participants, and can be delivered as paper-and-pencil questionnaires, administered electronically, or conducted verbally. Generally, the survey itself can be completed in a short time, and the ease of administering a survey makes it easy to collect data from a large number of people.
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
02:55Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Humans are very diverse and although we share many similarities, we also have many differences. The social groups we belong to help form our identities (Tajfel, 1974). These differences may be difficult for some people to reconcile, which may lead to prejudice toward people who are different. Prejudice is a negative attitude and feeling toward an individual based solely on one’s membership in a particular social group (Allport, 1954; Brown, 2010). Prejudice is common against people who are...
02:12Relationship Formation
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...