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

400 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of the proposed study is to determine the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for prisons (ACT-P) and Thinking for a Change (T4C) as reentry programs in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).

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 data supports the effectiveness of the ACT-P and T4C treatment for criminal behavior reentry?

The research shows that specialized reentry programs, like the Connecticut Offender Reentry Program, can reduce rearrest rates, and interventions that include cognitive-behavioral therapy (a type of talk therapy) have been effective in lowering recidivism among offenders with substance use issues. This suggests that treatments like ACT-P and T4C, which may include similar components, could be effective in helping individuals successfully reenter society. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Recidivism rates among mentally ill inmates: impact of the Connecticut Offender Reentry Program. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reentry interventions that address substance use: A systematic review. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Factors associated with rapid failure in a Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities (TASC) program. [2013]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized trial of a reentry modified therapeutic community for offenders with co-occurring disorders: crime outcomes. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Long-Term Outcome Assessment of the Effects on Subsequent Reoffense Rates of a Prison-Based CBT/RNR Sex Offender Treatment Program With Strength-Based Elements. [2020]