The role of cognitive change in desistance from crime: do cognitive-behavioral programs spark cognitive change and desistance?

ABSTRACT Considerable research has been conducted to understand the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral programs in reducing recidivism. This is a result of continued interest in understanding ‘what works’ in correctional programs. However, there has been comparatively little focus devoted to understanding how or why these programs may be effective. Theories of crime that examine desistance in terms of cognitive change may be particularly helpful in providing context to the discussion of how and why cognitive-behavioral programs work in reducing recidivism. Using propensity score matching and multiple mediation analysis, this study examined the effect of participation in cognitive-behavioral programming on recidivism through three measures of cognitive change: self-efficacy, perceptions of deviance, and motivation to change one’s behavior. Data collected as part of the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) was used for these analyses.