The Development of a Program Engagement Theory for Group Offending Behavior Programs

E Holdsworth; E Bowen; Sarah J Brown; D Howat

doi:10.1177/0306624X15624177

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The Development of a Program Engagement Theory for Group Offending Behavior Programs

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The Development of a Program Engagement Theory for Group Offending Behavior Programs

E Holdsworth, E Bowen, Sarah J Brown and D Howat

International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, Vol.61(13), pp.1479-1499

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X15624177

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Abstract

engagement

theory

offender

facilitator

group

program

Offender engagement in group offending behavior programs is poorly understood and under-theorized. In addition, there is no research on facilitators' engagement. This article presents the first ever theory to address this gap. A Program Engagement Theory (PET) was derived from a constructivist grounded theory analysis that accounts for both facilitators' and offenders' engagement in group offending behavior programs (GOBPs). Interviews and session observations were used to collect data from 23 program facilitators and 28 offenders (group members). The analysis revealed that group members' engagement involved shared identities and moving on as a group. In turn, this was dependent on facilitators personalising treatment frameworks and establishing a hook to help group members move on. The PET emphasizes the importance of considering change during treatment as a process rather than simply a program outcome. Solution-focused (SF) programs were more conducive to engagement and the change process than offence-focused programs.

Details

Title: The Development of a Program Engagement Theory for Group Offending Behavior Programs
Authors: E Holdsworth (Author) - Coventry University, United Kingdom
E Bowen (Author) - Coventry University, United Kingdom
Sarah J Brown (Author) - Coventry University, United Kingdom
D Howat (Author) - Coventry University, United Kingdom
Publication details: International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, Vol.61(13), pp.1479-1499
Publisher: Sage Publications Inc.
DOI: 10.1177/0306624X15624177
ISSN: 0306-624X
Organisation Unit: School of Law and Society; School of Law and Criminology - Legacy; Sexual Violence Research and Prevention Unit; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450948202621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Criminology & Penology; Psychology, Applied

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