Surviving on the straight and narrow : investigating the effectiveness of interventions targeting recidivism

Abstract

There is limited research on the effectiveness of current policies and practices targeting recidivism, especially within the local context. This quantitative study sought to explore whether recidivists present with significant differences in risk factors associated with recidivism when compared to non-recidivists. Furthermore, it aimed to provide a preliminary analysis on the effectiveness of rehabilitative interventions that are being delivered to inmates, by exploring differences in the survival time duration in the community of those who received rehabilitative interventions, in comparison to those who did not and those who refused or withdrawn prematurely. A total of 145 out of 230 of the current adult Maltese general male and female incarcerated populations were examined through a variable checklist. The conclusions document a reoffending rate of 67.6%. Congruent with international research a history of antisocial behaviour, antisocial personality and antisocial cognitions indicated strong correlations with recidivism. Whereas family/marital adversities, education and employment difficulties, antisocial associates, lack of involvement in prosocial pursuits and substance abuse implied moderate associations with reoffending. Furthermore, the findings suggest that interventions targeting recidivism are not as effective as intended, with those who received such interventions documenting a mean duration of 27.79 months in the community, in comparison to a mean duration of 40.57 months for those who were only incarcerated. These findings hope to stimulate local policymakers, programme developers and practitioners to develop, implement and formally evaluate rehabilitative programmes that address these underlying salient criminogenic needs associated with recidivism.