The effect of the teen challenge faith-based program in reducing recidivism and substance abuse as perceived by adult male ex-offenders in Texas /
This study focused on understanding the long-term effect (beyond four years) to reduce recidivism of adult male ex-offenders through transformational learning experienced in the Teen Challenge faith-based program. The study also addressed Teen Challenge's theological approach in helping ex-offe...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
2001.
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| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=726083081&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | This study focused on understanding the long-term effect (beyond four years) to reduce recidivism of adult male ex-offenders through transformational learning experienced in the Teen Challenge faith-based program. The study also addressed Teen Challenge's theological approach in helping ex-offenders control the impulse to abuse alcohol and drugs and thus develop new perspectives free of self-centeredness involving compulsive, deviant behavior. Nine adult male ex-offenders who graduated from the Teen Challenge program were selected for this ethnographic case study to provide emic perspectives as to how they ended their criminal activities, overcame their alcohol and/or drug addictions, and became responsible and productive individuals in society. The participants for this qualitative research project were selected according to the proportionate ethnicity of the total population of Texas and consisted of five White adult males, three Hispanic adult males, and one Black adult male. The study revealed that personal change was not a personal matter for the individuals who participated in the interviews. They were initially involved with abusive substances and committed illegal acts because of impulsive and volatile choices instigated through social influences. Conversely, the participants were able to change their perspectives and behaviors through the Teen Challenge program. As a result of the interviews, 11 significant themes were identified that profoundly influenced the lives of the participants. The primary conclusions drawn from this study were that (a) Teen Challenge mentors were essential catalysts that helped ex-offenders confront and deal with the meaning of their deviant experiences and facilitated the cognitive development of spiritual awareness and social mores to overcome destructive behaviors, and (b) a religious transformation was the primary incentive that kept ex-offenders from recidivating and abusing substances after graduating from the Teen Challenge rehabilitation program. Recommendations for further research include assessing Teen Challenge's ability to expand its services and reviewing the status of public policies regarding faith-based initiatives. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Educational Human Resource Development". |
| Physical Description: | ix, 141 leaves ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 126-135). |