Unlocking Positive Change: The Power of Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) in Reducing Recidivism Rates

Robin LaBarbera • May 26, 2023

What is Moral Reconation Therapy?

Behind the grim statistics and the revolving door of recidivism lies a beacon of hope–a transformative approach known as Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT). Welcome to a realm of reentry where change becomes not just a possibility but a reality, where we can see the remarkable effectiveness of MRT in breaking the cycle of crime and reducing recidivism rates.

The National Institute of Justice refers to recidivism as one of the most fundamental concepts in criminal justice, defined as a person’s relapse into criminal behavior. We measure recidivism by the criminal acts that result in rearrest, reconviction, or return to prison during the three-year period following a person’s release from prison (https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/corrections/recidivism).

Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) - is a cognitive-behavioral treatment program for substance abuse and justice-involved populations designed to lower recidivism “for periods as long as 20 years after treatment” according to the founder’s website (https://www.moral-reconation-therapy.com/).

Moral Reconation Therapy shows great potential for fostering positive change among individuals transitioning from incarceration to the community. Reentry providers across the country are using MRT in their programming to impact the community.

Understanding Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)

In the rehabilitation literature, it is generally understood that cognitive behavioral treatments are best practices for reducing criminal recidivism among justice involved adults (Andrews & Bonta, 2010). Such treatments target criminogenic thinking (i.e., antisocial attitudes, cognitions, and behaviors) and have the most convincing evidence for reducing recidivism risk among various groups of juvenile and adult populations (Feucht & Holt, 2016).

During cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), participants explore the underlying factors that lead them to perform certain negative behaviors that are responsible for substance abuse. They learn to recognize situations that are likely to make them want to relapse and how to deal with those situations in a positive way.

MRT is a cognitive-behavioral intervention that aims to modify criminogenic thinking among justice-involved individuals to reduce their likelihood of criminal recidivism. Under the guidance of trained facilitators, participants advance through steps by group attendance, homework assignments and exercises between group sessions, and then they present their work to group members at the next session.

Like CBT, MRT seeks to modify though processes. They key difference between the two therapies, however, is that MRT teaches people with addiction to focus on the moral aspects of their behavior. MRT is a cognitive-behavioral treatment system that leads to enhanced moral reasoning, better decision making, and more appropriate behavior (https://www.moral-reconation-therapy.com/)

Studies have found the rate of recidivism among participants is reduced compared to control groups (Armstrong, 2003; Ferguson & Wormith, 2013).

Unpacking the Mechanisms of Change in MRT

MRT is a comprehensive program that supports successful reentry by addressing criminogenic needs. Armstrong, in a randomized experiment testing the effect of MRT on the recidivism rates of justice-involved youth described it this way:

The primary goal of MRT is the moral development of the treatment client. The therapy identifies nine stages of moral development and explains that these stages exist in a continuum. These stages are paralleled by a series of treatment steps. It is anticipated that as treatment results in moral development and individuals progress through the treatment steps, they will begin to act in a manner consistent with more sophisticated levels of moral reasoning (2003, p. 670).

To facilitate moral development, participants are given moral dilemmas to consider individually and then discuss in groups. In the context of group discussions, participants are exposed to higher levels of moral reasoning. Written exercises are used to evaluate relationships with peers and with family members, and terminate relationships with unhelpful peers where necessary (Armstrong, 2003).

Limitations of MRT and Future Directions

While MRT has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing recidivism rates and promoting positive change, it is important to acknowledge some limitations associated with its implementation. A few limitations to consider are:

Generalizability: Most studies evaluating the effectiveness of MRT have been conducted within specific populations, such as patients in mental health treatment programs (Blonigen et al., 2022), justice-involved veterans (Blonigen et al., 2021), or among juvenile groups (Armstrong, 2003). It is therefore crucial to recognize that results may not be fully generalizable to other populations. Before a treatment program can be labeled effective and implemented on a large scale, such a limitation should be carefully considered.
Integrity: The successful implementation of MRT relies on trained facilitators who adhere to the program’s principles and guidelines. Variations in facilitator training and fidelity to the program may affect its outcomes. It is crucial to ensure proper training to maintain program integrity and maximize its effectiveness.
Drop-out Rates: Some individuals may not fully engage or complete the MRT program. Factors such as lack of motivation, external challenges, or disinterest can contribute to participant drop-out. This can affect the overall effectiveness of MRT if a significant number of participants do not complete the full program.
Limited Comparative Research: While MRT has shown promise, limited research exists that directly compares MRT to other CBT interventions or alternative treatment approaches. Comparative studies can provide a more comprehensive understanding of MRT’s effectiveness relative to other evidence-based interventions.

Recognizing these limitations is crucial to inform future research and practice. Despite these challenges, MRT remains a valuable tool in addressing criminogenic thinking and promoting positive change among justice-involved individuals.

Conclusion

By targeting criminogenic thinking and equipping individuals with the tools to challenge and transform their cognitive patterns, MRT emerges as a compelling cognitive-behavioral intervention that holds promise in reducing recidivism rates. With its structured approach, guided facilitation, and emphasis on active participation, MRT empowers justice-involved individuals to rewrite their narratives, break free from the cycle of criminality, and embark on a path towards lasting rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Ensure that your reentry programs and services provide the best outcomes for your clients. Click here to learn more about how we can help you provide the data that proves your program's effectiveness.

References

Andrews, D. A., & Bonta, J. L. (2010). Rehabilitating criminal justice policy and practice. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 16, 29-55. https://doi.org/10.1027/a0018362.

Armstrong, T. A. (2003). The effect of moral reconation therapy on the recidivism of youthful offenders: A randomized experiment. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 30(4), 668-687. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854803256452.

Blonigen, D. M., Shaffer, P. M., Smith, J. S., Cucciare, M. A., Timko, C., Smelson, D., Blue-Howells, J., Clark, S., Rosenthal, J. (2021). Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 48(6), 992-1005. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-021-0113-x.

Blonigen, D. M., Smith, J. S., Javier, S., Cucciare, M. A., Timko, C., Nevedal, A. L., Filice, N., Rosenthal, J., & Smelson, J. (2022). Psychiatric Services, 73(8), 856-863. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.202100089.

Feucht, T., & Holt, T. (2016). Does cognitive behavioral therapy work in criminal justice? A new analysis from CrimeSolutions. National Institute of Justice Journal, 277, 10-17. https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/does-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-work-criminal-justice-new-analysis-crimesolutions.

Ferguson, L. M., & Wormith, J. S. (2013). A meta-analysis of moral reconation therapy. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 57, 1076-1106. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X12447771.

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