Cognitive behavioral therapy for relapse prevention in offenders: Empowerment via health psychology

Abstract

This study investigated the role of health psychology in preventing re-offending in the Japanese judicial correction system. The study also examined initiatives taken after legal amendments regarding cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The judicial correction system has emphasized efforts to improve the health of offenders. However, results of studies on the efficacy of CBT in preventing recidivism have been inconsistent. Moreover, research has shown that the role of health psychology in reducing re-offending has been unreliable. Therefore, functional analysis of CBT was used to consider roles of health psychology that are applicable to preventing re-offending.