Utilizing Inmates as Group Leaders in the Admissions Phase of Incarceration

Abstract

Abstract There is much discord among correctional experts in regard to the effectiveness of treatment within a correctional institution. Group treatment or counseling is a technique that is used extensively, but because of the manner in which correctional research has been conducted, it cannot be concluded that group counseling is an effective treatment jnode. This article describes a study that examined whether inmate group leaders could be successful in reducing state anxiety, promoting a positive attitude toward their admissions program and future psychotherapy, and assisting in the group member's learning of the institution's rules, regulations, and policies. A posttest-only design was used to investigate the results of the group counseling of 44 first-termers who were randomly assigned to an inmate-led, staff-led, or control group. The group leaders were matched on the basis of their human relations and communications skills and then trained in reality therapy guided group interaction. Overall, the f...