Effect of locus of control on recidivism rates of sexual and non-sexual offenders.

Abstract

Recidivism of criminal offenders is an important topic with treatment providers as well as the general public. This study was designed investigate whether locus of control may be added to treatment modalities in an effort to aid the offender to learn skills that may help more acceptable choices to be made. Locus of control is one of the factors that has been recognized that may influence treatment effectiveness. Sexual offenders who have an estimated 80% recidivism rate may tend to be externally controlled and do not have the skills to choose not to reoffend. To examine the effect on locus of control and recidivism of offenders, two groups of newly released men and women from prison were used for this study. The groups were divided by type of offense, either sexual or non-sexual offenders and surveyed using a scale to determine internal or external locus of control. After 3 months, the recidivism of each offender was verified using the State of Kansas computer system. Results suggested more sexual offenders scored as externally controlled while nonsexual offenders scored as internally controlled. The results of the recidivism were significant as the sexual offenders were returned to prison at a higher rate than nonsexual offenders.