Differences between Completers and Non-Completers of Offending Behaviour Programmes: Impulsivity, Social Problem Solving and Criminal Thinking

Purpose: This study examined whether there were significant differences between completers and non-completers of an offending behaviour programme on pre-programme measures of impulsivity, social problem-solving, and criminal thinking. Methods: Participants were 299 male offenders serving a community order with the requirement to attend an offending behaviour programme in England and Wales. Results: The results showed that non-completers had significantly higher levels of non-planning impulsivity than completers. Furthermore, non-completers were at a higher risk of reconviction. No significant differences were found between completers and non-completers for social problem-solving and criminal thinking, as well as no significant differences between the two groups for age. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of retaining high risk and impulsive offenders in treatment programmes.