Are Prisoner Characteristics Associated with Therapeutic Community Treatment Process?

Abstract

The relationship between prisoner client characteristics and Therapeutic Community treatment process was examined in a male program (N = 164) and a female program (N = 195). Analyses were based on client reports on a multidimensional measure of treatment process and administrative data. Prisoner clients who are older or are poly-substance users had better Community Environment scores. Clients with children and fewer lifetime arrests had better scores on Personal Development and Change. Treatment process scores were comparable for clients in the female program and the male program. However, the association of treatment process with client characteristics appears stronger in the male program.

Keywords:

• Client characteristics
• prisoners
• substance abuse
• therapeutic community

Notes

¹Expected values for different levels of the specific effect assuming all covariates are at their mean value.