Study on the Effectiveness of Responsive Aggression Regulation Therapy (Re-ART)

Abstract

This article describes a pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental study of the effectiveness of Responsive Aggression Regulation Therapy (Re-ART), a Dutch intervention for 16- to 21-year-old juveniles. Re-ART aims to decrease severe aggressive behavior using a cognitive behavioral approach combined with drama therapeutic and mindfulness techniques. Re-ART differs from other mental health interventions in criminal justice settings in its combination of individual therapy and group training, and in the flexibility to adjust the intensity and content of the treatment to the specific individual needs of juvenile delinquents. The sample consisted of violent offenders treated in a juvenile justice institution: 63 were in the experimental group (Re-ART) and 28 in the Treatment-As-Usual (TAU) group. Results indicate that Re-ART is significantly more effective than TAU in reducing the juveniles’ recidivism risk, aggressive behavior, irrational cognitions, poor coping skills and improved responsiveness to treatment.

Keywords:

• adolescents
• aggression problems
• treatment
• juvenile justice institutions
• moderate or high recidivism risk