The Price of Mistrust: A Study into the Working Alliance as Predictor for Recidivism

The responsivity principle is a vital element in the risk-need-responsivity model. The working alliance is a good illustration of the intention of this responsivity principle. In this study, we examine the influence of the working alliance (WAMCI) between 199 offenders and probation officers on reci...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of police and criminal psychology 2022-09, Vol.37 (3), p.576-586
Main Authors: Sturm, Annelies, de Vogel, Vivienne, Menger, Anneke, Huibers, Marcus J. H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Addictions
Age
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Collaboration
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Drug abuse
Employment
Ethnicity
Family status
Law and Psychology
Mental disorders
Offenders
Parole & probation
Personality
Principles
Probation officers
Probation service
Psychology
Psychotherapy
Recidivism
Risk factors
School environment
Substance abuse treatment
Supervision
Therapeutic alliances
Violations
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Summary:The responsivity principle is a vital element in the risk-need-responsivity model. The working alliance is a good illustration of the intention of this responsivity principle. In this study, we examine the influence of the working alliance (WAMCI) between 199 offenders and probation officers on recidivism. Data for this longitudinal study originate from adult probation services in the Netherlands. The association between the working alliance factors and recidivism was analyzed using a Cox regression. Offenders who reported more Trust in the relationship with their Probation Officer after 9 months community supervision showed less recidivism in the subsequent 4-year follow-up period. This association remained significant when controlled for criminal history, age, gender, ethnicity, family status, employment and addiction problems. Offenders who reported more reactance showed significantly more recidivism in the follow-up period, but this association was accounted for criminal history variables. These results can be regarded as an extension of the responsivity principle; a trusting relationship may be needed to create a space in which the client becomes engaged in a changing process.
ISSN:0882-0783
1936-6469
DOI:10.1007/s11896-021-09450-1