In terms of cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) effectiveness, which group benefitted more according to the study?

Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) has shown to be particularly effective for high-risk offenders. These individuals typically exhibit more severe behavioral problems and are at a greater risk for recidivism. The intervention targets their thought processes, helping them to recognize harmful thinking patterns and replace them with more constructive strategies. As a result, high-risk offenders often demonstrate more significant improvements in behavior and lower rates of reoffending following CBT.

In contrast, low-risk offenders may show less dramatic changes because they are generally already less likely to reoffend—meaning their baseline risk is lower. They might not require as intensive a level of intervention as high-risk individuals do. Additionally, the dynamics of treatment may differ, as low-risk offenders might not engage as fully with the CBT process or might not benefit as much from the strategies taught.

Therefore, studies indicate that high-risk offenders realize more substantial gains from CBT, as the skills learned can lead directly to behavior changes that significantly reduce their likelihood of future criminal activity.