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Therapy to Reduce Violence and Improve Institutional Safety During Incarceration

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Listed:
  • Mary Kate Batistich
  • William N. Evans
  • Tyler Giles
  • Rebecca Margolit-Chan

Abstract

We evaluate the impact of Step Up, a cognitive behavioral therapy program administered to inmates at the Lubbock County Detention Center in Lubbock, Texas. Step Up aims to address self-destructive thought and behavior patterns through a combination of group classes, one-on-one counseling, and a structured workbook. We compare individuals over time who enter the Step Up program to a group of eligible and interested nonparticipants in an unbalanced two-way fixed effects framework. Despite similarities in observable characteristics and initial behavior metrics, individuals who enter Step Up exhibit a 49% reduction in monthly behavioral incident rates compared to the untreated group, which is about an 8-percentage point decline. The typical participant spends about 3 months in the program, and we find evidence that the behavioral improvements persist after program completion.

Suggested Citation

  • Mary Kate Batistich & William N. Evans & Tyler Giles & Rebecca Margolit-Chan, 2024. "Therapy to Reduce Violence and Improve Institutional Safety During Incarceration," NBER Working Papers 33147, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33147
    Note: LE PE
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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