ACT-P vs T4C Programs for Criminal Behavior Reentry

Age: 18+

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Iowa State University

Disqualifiers: Court-mandated to either program

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: Duration not specified

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests two programs to assist people leaving prison in adjusting to society. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for prisons (ACT-P) encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to positive actions. Thinking for a Change (T4C) aims to alter criminal thinking patterns. Researchers have identified potential participants as medium or high risk of reoffending and suitable for cognitive programs, which focus on changing thought patterns. The trial aims to determine which program more effectively supports successful reentry. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could significantly enhance reentry programs.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that these reentry programs are safe?

Research has shown that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for prisons (ACT-P), a type of cognitive behavioral therapy, is generally well-tolerated. This therapy has been adapted for prison use, emphasizing acceptance and commitment. Although specific safety data is unavailable, cognitive behavioral treatments like ACT-P are usually considered safe because they don't involve physical procedures.

Thinking for a Change (T4C) is another program based on cognitive behavioral therapy. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in changing criminal thinking patterns. The available research mentions no specific safety concerns, suggesting it is likely well-tolerated. These programs are generally low-risk because they aim to change thinking and behavior without using medications or physical treatments.

Both ACT-P and T4C are behavioral therapies, not medications, which typically means they have fewer safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the ACT-P and T4C programs for criminal behavior reentry because they offer innovative approaches to changing criminal thinking patterns. ACT-P is unique because it adapts acceptance and commitment therapy, typically used for mental health, to a prison setting. This approach helps individuals accept their thoughts and feelings and commit to behavioral changes, which is a fresh angle compared to traditional methods. On the other hand, T4C is an evidence-based program that specifically targets altering criminal thinking. By focusing on these cognitive strategies, both programs aim to effectively reduce recidivism and facilitate successful reintegration into society.

What evidence suggests that this trial's programs could be effective for criminal behavior reentry?

This trial will compare two programs: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for prisons (ACT-P) and Thinking for a Change (T4C). Studies have shown that ACT-P can reduce criminal behavior by using strategies focused on acceptance and commitment, specifically designed for a prison environment. Research has indicated that reentry programs addressing substance use and behavior issues can lead to fewer rearrests and less substance abuse. Meanwhile, T4C, another program studied in this trial, reduced new criminal offenses by 33% compared to those not in the program. T4C uses techniques to change criminal thinking and improve social skills, which are important for preventing future crimes. Both programs aim to help individuals make lasting changes that support successful reintegration into society. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals deemed medium or high risk according to the Iowa Risk Revised and considered suitable for cognitive programming. It's not open to those who are court-mandated to either of the programs being tested.

Inclusion Criteria

deemed medium or high risk according to the Iowa Risk Revised

I am considered suitable for cognitive therapy based on standard evaluations.

Exclusion Criteria

court-mandated to either program

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either ACT-P or T4C program interventions while institutionalized

Duration not specified

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for recidivism through rearrests, reconvictions, and reincarceration

3 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• ACT-P
• T4C

Trial Overview The study aims to test the effectiveness of two reentry programs: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for prisons (ACT-P) versus Thinking for a Change (T4C), in helping individuals transition back into community life after incarceration.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: ACT-P Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

ACT-P is a cognitive behavioral program based on acceptance and commitment therapy, and it has been modified for use in the prison setting.

Group II: T4C Active Control 1 Intervention

Thinking for Change (T4C) is an evidence-based cognitive behavioral program focused on changing criminal thinking.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Iowa State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

63

Recruited

145,000+

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/act-p-vs-t4c-programs-for-criminal-behavior-reentry-565e7

ACT-P vs T4C Programs for Criminal Behavior Reentry What data supports the effectiveness of the ACT-P and T4C treatment for criminal behavior reentry? ... crime outcomes. [2022]. 5. United Statespubmed.ncbi ...

2. cjil.sog.unc.edu cjil.sog.unc.edu/resource/research-on-the-effectiveness-of-reentry-treatments/

RESEARCH ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF REENTRY ... The literature demonstrates that reentry programs focused on substance use treatment can reduce crime, rates of rearrest, substance use, and healthcare ...

3. ijrd.csw.fsu.edu ijrd.csw.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu1766/files/media/images/publication_pdfs/5Key_Model_Intervention_Development_Study_IJRD10032018_0.pdf

Intervention Development Study of the 5 Key Model for Reentry Offender Reentry: Beyond Crime & Punishment. Boulder, CO: Lynne ... Criminal Justice and Behavior, 39(12), 1539-1558. https://doi.org ...

4. abtglobal.com abtglobal.com/sites/default/files/2024-10/pep23-06-06-001-1.pdf

Best Practices for Successful Reentry From Criminal ... Each chapter is designed to be brief and accessible to SAMHSA grantees, practitioners, correctional facilities, recovery support organizations, criminal justice ...

5. psychiatryonline.org psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.books.9781615379637.index

Index criminal behavior and,: 232; integrated treatment approach,: 233 ... National Institute on Drug Abuse, principles of drug abuse treatment for ...

6. psychiatryonline.org psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.books.9781615379637.index

Index criminal behavior and,: 232; integrated treatment approach,: 233 ... National Institute on Drug Abuse, principles of drug abuse treatment for ...

7. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00938548251335322

Beyond Recidivism: A Systematic Review Exploring ... Scientific evidence indicates that successful reintegration results from holistically addressing factors predisposing individuals to criminal ...

8. uscourts.gov uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/68_2_9_0.pdf

The Effects of Serious Mental Illness on Offender Reentry They were also more likely to report homelessness in the twelve months before they were arrested for the crime that led to imprisonment. In addition, mentally ...