A randomized evaluation of the Maryland correctional boot camp for adults: Effects on offender antisocial attitudes and cognitions

This research addresses the question: Does the military atmosphere of a treatment-oriented boot camp lead to greater reductions in antisocial attitudes and cognitions than a standard correctional facility that is also treatment-oriented? A self-report measure of antisocial attitudes and cognitions was collected from 118 inmates randomly assigned to a boot camp program or a standard correctional facility. Analyses of post-program data revealed no significant or substantive differences between groups suggesting that the combination of a military atmosphere and therapeutic programming may not be any more efficacious in reducing antisocial attitudes than the administration of similar therapeutic programming in traditional correctional facilities.