Reducing crime and violence: Experimental evidence from cognitive behavioral therapy in Liberia

Christopher Blattman, Julian Jamison and Margaret Sheridan

Artefactual Field Experiments from The Field Experiments Website

Abstract: We show that a number of "non cognitive" skills and preferences, including patience and identity, are malleable in adults, and that investments in them reduce crime and violence. We recruited criminally-engaged men and randomized half to eight weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy designed to foster self-regulation, patience, and a noncriminal identity and lifestyle. We also randomized $200 grants. Cash alone and therapy alone initially reduced crime and violence, but effects dissipated over time. When cash followed therapy, crime and violence decreased dramatically for at least a year. We hypothesize that cash reinforced therapy's impacts by prolonging learning-by-doing, lifestyle changes, and self-investment.

Date: 2016
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cbe, nep-exp, nep-law and nep-neu
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Related works:
Working Paper: Reducing crime and violence: Experimental evidence from cognitive behavioral therapy in Liberia (2015)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:feb:artefa:00544

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