NCJ Number
14401
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY 1974) Pages: 45-53
Date Published
1974
Length
9 pages
Annotation
CRITICISM OF CURRENT TREATMENT MODELS AND REVIEW OF A NEW TREATMENT METHOD WHICH INVOLVES HELPING THE PERSON TO FULFILL THE BASIC NEEDS OF BEING LOVED AND FEELING WORTHWHILE TO HIMSELF AND OTHERS.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR CRITICIZES THE MEDICAL TREATMENT MODEL OF CORRECTIONS, WHICH IS SEEN AS APPLYING MIDDLE CLASS NORMS AS STANDARDS FOR EVALUATING BEHAVIOR AND MENTAL STATE. CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT PRACTICES BASED ON THE MENTAL HEALTH/MENTAL ILLNESS MODEL ARE SEEN AS BEING BOTH UNSUCCESSFUL WITH OFFENDER GROUPS AND OFTEN UNAVAILABLE TO THESE GROUPS. A NEW METHOD FOR CHANGING BEHAVIOR IS EXPLORED, WHICH INVOLVES THE PREMISE THAT UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR IS A RESULT OF PEOPLE BEING UNABLE TO MEET BASIC NEEDS. THE BASIC TECHNIQUES FOR PRACTICING THIS METHOD, CALLED REALITY THERAPY, ARE OUTLINED AND DISCUSSED.