Dissertation Defense Announcement

The College of Education announces the final dissertation defense of

Robert M Cox

for the degree of Doctor of Education

May 9, 2016 at 1:00 pm in 103 Ball Hall

Major Advisor: Richard K James, PhD

An Evaluation of a Group Counseling Intervention for Inmates with Mental Illness

ABSTRACT:
The U. S. criminal justice system is the largest provider of mental health services in the country. However, the criminal justice system is not prepared to meet the complex needs of offenders with mental illness (OMI). This study evaluated the pilot Adult Recidivism Reduction Alternatives (ARRAY) program as a treatment for anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and low self-esteem among male inmate with mental illness. The findings of the study are that ARRAY is associated with reductions in symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and low self-esteem. Program graduates have a lower rearrest rate than other offenders.