View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Walden University Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2017 Offender Recidivism: A Quantitative Study of Motivational Risk Factors and Counseling Nazak Dadashazar Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Counseling Psychology Commons, Criminology Commons, and the Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Counselor Education & Supervision This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Nazak Dadashazar has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Wenndy Dupkoski, Committee Chairperson, Counselor Education and Supervision Faculty Dr. Sidney Shaw, Committee Member, Counselor Education and Supervision Faculty Dr. Jason Patton, University Reviewer, Counselor Education and Supervision Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2017 Abstract Offender Recidivism: A Quantitative Study of Motivational Risk Factors and Counseling by Nazak Dadashazar M.A., University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 2002 B.S., University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Counselor Education and Supervision Walden University June 2017 Abstract The prison system releases over 590,000 inmates annually, adding to the current 5 million ex-offenders on supervised release. The purpose of this study was to explore the problem of increasing recidivism by identifying ex-offenders’ dynamic risk and criminogenic need factors using the Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R), coupled with or without mental health services during reentry in relation to recidivism. This quantitative, nonexperimental, cross-sectional study included data collected from a sample of 128 male recidivist and nonrecidivist federal ex-offenders currently on supervised release, who were recruited during probation office meetings within the South Texas region. Regression analysis yielded statistical significance for all 3 of the study’s research questions (RQ). RQ1 was to determine whether a difference existed between the LSI-R scores of recidivist and nonrecidivist ex-offenders. RQ2 was to determine if there was a difference in the LSI-R scores of ex-offenders who have or have not attended mental health counseling during reentry. RQ3 was to determine whether there was a relationship between ex-offenders who have undergone counseling or not during reentry and recidivism. The analysis revealed a correlation between ex-offender’s risk factors, counseling received, and recidivism. A recommendation from this study is to increase research and specialized training in forensic counseling in the counseling field, currently not required by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Furthermore, the findings of this study could contribute to positive social change for the prison officials, reentry agencies, and forensic mental health professionals in identifying higher-risk factors to help combat recidivism. Offender Recidivism: A Quantitative Study of Motivational Risk Factors and Counseling by Nazak Dadashazar M.A., University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 2002 B.S., University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Counselor Education and Supervision Walden University June 2017 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation study to my mom, Fahimeh and dad, Amir who have given me unwavering support throughout my life. My mom is the most influential woman I know and without her guidance, I would not possess perseverance, which has made me the woman I am today. Amir Joon, now you can officially call me “Dr. Dadashazar”. For my beautiful children, Samareh, Bryce and Brooklyn, who have been the source and motivation for me to see this entire process all the way through till the end. And to Jason, who has been by my side in support of my endeavor from the beginning pushing me along to finally reach this glorious day of accomplishment. Acknowledgements First and foremost, I am sincerely and heartily grateful to God for providing me the strength necessary to complete my Ph.D. I am forever thankful to my committee chair, Dr. Wynn. Her support through this process was the most influential aspect of accomplishing this lifetime goal. To Dr. Sidney Shaw, I am thankful for your challenging questions on the statistics and methods related to my study, which provided for all the necessary components of a well-structured project in the end. Dr. Jayce Patton, although you and I crossed paths on only a few occasions, you left a permanent reminder in my heart of exactly the kind of professor I wish to someday become. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. Because of your selfless support, I am where I am today. My family are the most important people in my life, and for that reason I must acknowledge the sacrifice they experienced while I pursued this degree. As many children do not understand the requirements entailed in finishing a Ph.D., my children made my life less stressful by understanding and supporting my scholarly demands during the times they needed me the most. For my oldest daughter, Samareh who is about to embark on her second year in medical school, thank you for everything you have done for me, and your younger brother and sister while I completed my studies. Bryce and Brooklyn, thank you for being good kids any mother would love to have. And, Jason thank you again for always being there for me when I needed you and for always having my back no matter what. Earning my Ph.D. is my greatest personal accomplishment, and I will never take that lightly. Thanks to all the other people who have encouraged me and provided best wishes for my continued success throughout this journey. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v List of Figures .................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Background of the Study ...............................................................................................2 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................4 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................5 Research Questions and Hypotheses .............................................................................7 Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................................8 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................9 Definitions....................................................................................................................10 Assumptions .................................................................................................................12 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................13 Limitations ...................................................................................................................13 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................14 Summary ......................................................................................................................16 Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature ...........................................................................18 Introduction .................................................................................................................18 Offender Rehabilitation Programs ..............................................................................20 Prison Culture ........................................................................................................21 Counseling Inmates ................................................................................................23 Ex-Offender Reintegration (Reentry) Programs .........................................................27 i Defining Reentry ....................................................................................................28 Reentry Policies .....................................................................................................28 Reentry Program Efficacy......................................................................................30 Demand for Reentry Programs ..............................................................................33 Counseling Ex-Offenders.......................................................................................38