Description:
Although group counseling procedures have been researched
extensively for institutionalized offender populations, literature
concerning group counseling with non-institutionalized
offenders has been less evident. In addition, much confusion
exists in the literature with regard to frustration tolerance,
and the acquisition and modification of aggressive behavior.
For the purposes of this research, frustration tolerance
as outlined by Saul Rosenzweig and the theoretical base
of social learning in the acquisition of aggressive behavior,
were utilized . In sum, this study was designed to investigate
three treatment methods and their effects on frustration tolerance
and aggression for a population of non-institutionalized
offenders.
Thirty-nine clients under the supervision of the United
States District Court for the District of Columbia were randomly
assigned to one of three treatment groups. The treatment
exposures consisted of: a) psychodrama and group counseling;
b) films , audio-visual and group discussion; and c) normal probation
and/or parole supervision as outlined by the Courts.
The Rosenzweig Picture-Frustration Study and the Berea College Form Board were used as pre-test and as post-test
measures for subjects in all three treatment groups. A
Behavioral Rating Scale was developed to be used with the
Berea College Form Board which consisted of 21 identifiable
and/or definable physical and verbal behaviors.
Computation of two Pearson product-moment correlation
coefficients resulted in .71 for the pre-test and .83 for the
post-test when comparisons were made between judges ratings
on the Behavioral Ra ting Scale of subject's aggressive behaviors.
Analysis of covariance with pre-test scores used as covariates
was used in the analysis of the data. Results of
the analysis were as follows: (1) There were no significant
differences in mean scores between the three treatment groups
in the acquisition of appropriate behaviors as measured on the
(E), (I), (M) and (GCR) dimensions of the Rosenzweig Picture-
Frustration Study. (2) There were no significant differences
in mean scores between the three treatment groups in the acquisition
of appropriate behaviors as measured on the Behavioral
Rating Scale.
While an analysis of the quantitative data does not support
the use of psychodrama and group counseling, and the use of
films and/ or audio-visual aids and group discussion as treatment
methods to be used in the acquisition of appropriate behaviors,
examination of the qualitative progress reports lend support to
its continued use as treatment methods with offender populations.
Meaningful relationships with probation officers and other group
members were established, and in addition, "group members were able to look at themselves and discuss some of their problems."
Further research, however, is recommended using similar
techniques so that the effectiveness of this approach can be
better evaluated.