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Effectiveness of psychological treatments for violent offenders in custodial, community and forensic mental health settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Overview

This 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis examined psychological treatments for violent offenders across custodial, community, and forensic mental health settings. Analyzing 27 studies from 1993-2017, researchers found psychological treatments effective in reducing violent and general reoffending by approximately 10-11%. High-intensity, multi-component treatments including relapse prevention, role playing, and homework showed greatest impact. The review supports psychological interventions for violent offenders but notes limited high-quality studies in community and forensic settings.

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Key insights

Key Insights:

  1. Psychological treatments reduce violent reoffending by approximately 10%

  2. High-intensity treatments (250+ hours) show greater effectiveness

  3. Multi-component approaches work better than single-target interventions

  4. Relapse prevention and role playing are crucial treatment components

  5. Group-based interventions in therapeutic communities are most effective

  6. Higher-risk offenders benefit more from psychological treatment programs

  7. Treatment also reduces general reoffending by approximately 11%

  8. More research needed in community and forensic mental health settings

Did this resource draw on transformative evidence?

<p>No, this document was not based on experiential expertise. It was based on a <strong>systematic review and meta-analysis</strong> of 27 independent research studies conducted between 1993-2017. The findings came from statistical analysis of empirical research data, not from practitioners&#39; personal experiences or clinical observations.</p>
<p>No, this document was not based on practice wisdom. It was based on <strong>empirical research evidence</strong> through systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 studies. The findings derive from statistical analysis of controlled research studies, not from practitioners&#39; accumulated clinical experience, insights, or informal knowledge gained through practice.</p>
<p>Yes, this document was entirely based on <strong>research and evaluation insights</strong>. It conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 independent research studies that evaluated psychological treatments for violent offenders. The findings derive from rigorous statistical analysis of empirical research data and controlled evaluations.</p>

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Categories

Resource type

Systematic Review