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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
url
https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X15624177View
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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.

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9 Times Cited - Web of Science

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Web Of Science research areas
Criminology & Penology
Psychology, Applied

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