Does a cognitive skills training program for prisoners affect neurocognitive functioning and heart rate activity?

This study investigates changes in neurobiological characteristics after a cognitive skills program for prisoners. It was hypothesized that prisoners who completed a cognitive skills training program would show improved neurocognitive functioning and changes in heart rate (HR) activity. In addition,...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Cornet, Liza J. M. (Author)
Contributors: Laan, Peter H. van der ; Nijman, Henk L. I. ; Tollenaar, Nikolaj ; Kogel, Catharina Hendrika de
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2016
In: Criminal justice and behavior
Year: 2016, Volume: 43, Issue: 11, Pages: 1481-1504
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
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Summary:This study investigates changes in neurobiological characteristics after a cognitive skills program for prisoners. It was hypothesized that prisoners who completed a cognitive skills training program would show improved neurocognitive functioning and changes in heart rate (HR) activity. In addition, it was expected that neurobiological changes were related to behavioral improvement. Male adult prisoners were included in the study and divided into two groups: the ?intervention group??prisoners participating in a cognitive skills training program?and the ?control group??prisoners placed on a waitlist. Several neurocognitive skills and HR activity measures were assessed at pre- and posttest assessment. In addition, trainers, prison officers, and prisoners were requested to evaluate behavioral changes over time. Results did not confirm the hypotheses. The absence of both neurobiological and behavioral improvement is discussed in light of the measures used, the content and duration of the current intervention program, and the prison setting.
ISSN:1552-3594
DOI:10.1177/0093854816643732