The EQUIP program is a multicomponent cognitive-behavioral program, and the study reviewed here investigates the psychoeducational component of the program, the goal of which is to foster strong interpersonal skills between inmates and within inmate group classes in order to reduce within-facility infractions as well as recidivism upon release to the community. … (more)

The EQUIP program is a multicomponent cognitive-behavioral program, and the study reviewed here investigates the psychoeducational component of the program, the goal of which is to foster strong interpersonal skills between inmates and within inmate group classes in order to reduce within-facility infractions as well as recidivism upon release to the community. The psychoeducational component of the program is also designed to address cognitive issues, such as delays in moral judgment maturity, distortions in social cognition, and deficiencies in social skills. Social skills that participants practice and develop include “Expressing a Complaint Constructively” and “Dealing with Someone Angry at You.”

In the study reviewed here, the psychoeducational component of the EQUIP program was evaluated with inmates in a community correctional facility. The program was offered twice per week over a period of 2 months. (less)

One study meeting eligibility criteria and methodological standards was identified, and it was rated at the basic level of methodological rigor. This study, employing a randomized design, found that recidivism was reduced among females in the treatment group as compared to females in the control group; … (more)

One study meeting eligibility criteria and methodological standards was identified, and it was rated at the basic level of methodological rigor. This study, employing a randomized design, found that recidivism was reduced among females in the treatment group as compared to females in the control group; however, the number of women who recidivated in each group was very small, so caution must be exercised in interpreting this finding. No difference between groups was found in the recidivism rates of males. (less)

• According to the study reviewed, rigorous adherence to the integrity of the program should be practiced when implementing the EQUIP program. In the present study, all staff leading the program sessions had completed at least 16 hours of training on the EQUIP method, and EQUIP implementation guides were used in administering the program. … (more)

• According to the study reviewed, rigorous adherence to the integrity of the program should be practiced when implementing the EQUIP program. In the present study, all staff leading the program sessions had completed at least 16 hours of training on the EQUIP method, and EQUIP implementation guides were used in administering the program. In addition, the program included two monitoring procedures for staff—biweekly clinical meetings and self-evaluations by staff after leading each session.
• The authors speculate that the program may be more effective if group sessions are held more than twice weekly and for a longer period than 2 months. In other words, a more intensive and longer program may result in more favorable outcomes.
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• Given that only one methodologically rigorous study of the EQUIP program was identified, more research is clearly needed to determine the effectiveness of this program overall, as well as its use with other types of correctional populations and in other types of facilities. … (more)

• Given that only one methodologically rigorous study of the EQUIP program was identified, more research is clearly needed to determine the effectiveness of this program overall, as well as its use with other types of correctional populations and in other types of facilities. Further studies should also be conducted to determine the effects of the program at varying levels of dosage.
• Additionally, the authors suggest that further research is needed on inmate levels of participation and motivation within the program, as well as on factors that influence participation and motivation.
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