Behaviour Modification in Custody: Anger Management Flashcards
(21 cards)
AO3 (1) behaviour modification
- One strength of behaviour modification is that it is easy to implement
- For example, behaviour modification does not need specialist professionals as other treatments do (e.g. anger management).
- This is a strength as It is also cost-effective and easy to follow once programme is designed
- CA: Bassett and Blanchard – benefits were lost due to inconsistency
- C1: Effective but factors can reduce effectiveness – consistency, rewards given
behaviour modification definition
An application of the behaviourist approach to treatment (such as the management of offenders in penal institutions).
It is based on the principles of operant conditioning.
The general aim is to replace undesirable behaviours with: more desirable ones through the selective use of positive and/or negative reinforcement
AO3 (2) behaviour modification
- Another strength is that individually tailored programmes can be effective
- For example, Field et al. (2004) examined a token economy programme for young people with behavioural problems. It was generally effective, but a number of young people did not respond
- This is a strength because these youths were later placed on a special programme where the rewards wee more frequent and immediate – and the results were more positive
- CA: hard to maintain outside of prison – lacks ecological validity/external/time constraints
- C1: can be effective at controlling prisoners, increasing utility for prison staff. Tailoring to individual needs increases the time to implement behaviour modification. Advantage = easy to implement
AO3 (3) behaviour modification
- One limitation is that there is little rehabilitative value
- For example, Blackburn (1993) argued that positive changes in prison may quickly be lost when the offender is released.
- This is a weakness because token economy works well inside prison but progress is unlikely to be maintained outside.
- CA: keep control of prisoners, not about rehab value. Positive changes in prison due to behaviour modification
- C1: token economy systems are limited in their effectiveness outside of prisons, lacks external validity
AO3 (4) behaviour modification
- Another limitation is that learning is only superficial
- For example, behaviour modification encourages passive learning and focuses on surface behaviours. In contrast, anger management is much more active and reflective
- This is a weakness as offenders can simply play along with the token economy system to access rewards but this leads to little change in their overall principles
- CA: break the cycle of negative behaviour – superficial at first. Make the change – positive impact
- C1: change is superficial and so behaviour modification lack credibility in the real world
AO3 (5) behaviour modification
- A further limitation is ethical issues raised
- For example, the conditions of behaviour modification are regarded as manipulative & dehumanising by some. Participation is often obligatory for offenders rather than optional
- This is a weakness as an offender who decides not to comply with the scheme loses ‘privileges’ (e.g. contact with loved ones) through withdrawal of tokens and this is ethically questionable
- CA: However, it could be argued that severe punishments are needed for TE to work effectively to maintain control and power in prison
- C1: ethical questions, and fairness of TE systems – psychological issues with poor treatment in prison – re-offending rate - 57%
What is a conjugal visit?
A scheduled visit where an inmate spends several hours or days privately with a visitor, usually their legal spouse, and may engage in sexual activity.
Is conjugal visitation legal everywhere?
Legal in 5 states in the US, illegal in the UK.
What is one reported benefit of conjugal visits?
May reduce sexual and physical violence in prisons (D’Alessio, 2012).
How can conjugal visits influence inmate behaviour?
They can be used as rewards for good behaviour, encouraging inmates to adhere to prison rules to earn the visit.
How much can inmates earn for a 40-hour workweek?
As little as £10.
What example illustrates prisons employing inmates cheaply?
Speedy Hire closed 37 depots cutting 300 jobs but employed 200 prisoners to service plant hire tools.
How much were inmates paid at the South Wales call centre reported in 2012?
£3 per day.
What does the behaviourist approach assume about human behaviour?
All behaviour is learned and can be unlearned through the same principles.
What are behaviour modification programmes designed to do in prisons?
Reinforce obedient behaviour and punish disobedient behaviour.
What system is often used to implement behaviour modification?
Token Economy system.
What psychological principle is a token economy based on?
Operant conditioning.
How does a token economy work?
Prisoners earn tokens for desirable behaviours, which can be exchanged for rewards.
What are examples of desirable behaviours in prison token economies?
Avoiding conflict, following prison rules, keeping cells orderly.
What types of rewards can tokens be exchanged for?
Phone calls, time in the gym, extra cigarettes or food.
What happens if prisoners do not comply with behaviour rules?
Tokens and privileges can be withheld or removed as punishment.
