Self-Control as a Predictor of Relapse and Recidivism in Adolescent Therapeutic Community Treatment

Abstract

Despite the effectiveness of Therapeutic Communities (TCs), empirical studies of TCs are mostly atheoretical. In this study, concepts related to Gottfredson and Hirschi's General Theory of Crime were used to predict posttreatment delinquency among adolescents. Using data collected as part of Drug Abuse Treatment Outcomes Studies–-Adolescents (1993–1996), this study examined whether characteristics associated with low self-control predicted posttreatment substance use and posttreatment crime (N = 727). Contrary to the hypotheses, characteristics associated with low self-control had no relationship with posttreatment delinquency. Although these findings do not support the hypothesis, this study begins the process of linking criminological theory to adolescent TC treatment research. The study's limitations are noted.