NCJ Number
14474
Journal
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY 1974) Pages: 63-69
Date Published
1974
Length
7 pages
Annotation
DESCRIPTION OF A PROGRAM FOR ADULT PROBATIONERS WHICH REWARDS DESIRED BEHAVIOR BY REDUCING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKS ON PROBATION.
Abstract
THE PROGRAM INVOLVES A THREE-STAGE PROCESS IN WHICH SUCCESSIVELY MORE DIFFICULT BEHAVIORS ARE ACHIEVED AND MAINTAINED ON REINFORCEMENT WHILE DEVIANT AND DRUGRELATED BEHAVIORS ARE GRADUALLY DIMINISHED THROUGH COUNTERCONDITIONING. THE RESULTS OF THIS PROGRAM ARE COMPARED AGAINST TRADITIONAL PROBATION ON PROBATIONRELEVANT CRITERIA SUCH AS NEW ARRESTS, VIOLATIONS OF PROBATION, ATTENDANCE, AND MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT. SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS WERE ACHIEVED ON ALL CRITERIA OVER TRADITIONAL PROBATIONARY CONTACT. THE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION APPROACH DESCRIBED IS OFFERED AS A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL PROBATION METHODS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)