A METAANALYSIS OF THE PREDICTORS OF ADULT OFFENDER RECIDIVISM - WHAT WORKS

Meta-analytic techniques were used to determine which predictor domain s and actuarial assessment instruments were the best predictors of adu lt offender recidivism. One hundred and thirty-one studies produced 1, 141 correlations with recidivism. The strongest predictor domains were criminogenic needs, criminal history/history of antisocial behavior, social achievement, age/gender/race, and family factors. Less robust p redictors included intellectual functioning personal distress factors, and socioeconomic status in the family of origin. Dynamic predictor d omains performed at least as well as the static domains. The LSI-R was identified as the most useful actuarial measure. Recommendations for developing sound assessment practices in corrections are provided.