A Randomized Controlled Trial of ACT-P Versus T4C for Community Reentry

ACT-P consists of five modules. The Big Picture sessions are interwoven throughout the 24 sessions to introduce the main concepts of the curriculum, such as values identification and awareness of criminal behaviors. The Emotion Regulation and Cognitive Skills modules focus on awareness of internal experiences; learning new ways to respond to internal experiences; identifying and stepping back from problematic/criminal thoughts and beliefs; awareness of behaviors in service of values versus behaviors in service of control/avoidance; and identifying steps for behavior change. The Behavioral Skills module focuses on practicing prosocial behaviors, such as speaking and listening effectively and conflict resolution. Finally, the Barriers to Change module addresses environmental or life circumstances that can hinder successful behavior change (e.g., toxic masculinity, substance use, and parenting difficulties).

T4C is an integrated cognitive behavioral change program authored by Drs. Jack Bush, Barry Glick, and Juliana Taymans under a cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Corrections (NIC). The program is based on the principle that thinking controls how people act, and that to change the way people act, they have to control their thinking. T4C systematically presents the concept that thoughts cause one's behavior, and offenders learn to identify their own thought patterns that lead to risky behavior, and then to replace those maladaptive thoughts with new ones. T4C incorporates research from cognitive restructuring theory, social skills development, and the learning and use of problem solving skills.