The Preston Typology Study An Experiment With Differential Treatment In An Institution 1

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The Interpersonal Maturity Level (I-level) classification system subdivides delinquents into types hypothesized as having clear-cut implications for the kinds of treatment intervention strategies required. The present study investigated the feasibility and effec tiveness of applying the system in an institutional setting. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. Experi mental subjects of a particular subtype were assigned to one of six living halls where unique treatment programs were developed. Immediate effects on institution operation were noted, includ ing a significant reduction in management problems in the experi mental units. Evaluation of pre- and post-psychological and be havioral measures also showed that significantly greater gains were made by the experimental subjects. Parole data, however, revealed no significant differences in the violation rates of experimental and control subjects. The fact that after two years of possible exposure to parole more than three out of five (62 percent) of the 1,607 wards had violated parole and been returned to an institution suggests that whatever rehabilitation is accomplished in an insti tution must be complemented by supportive community services.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: