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American Economic Review Vol. 107 No. 4 2017

Reducing Crime and Violence: Experimental Evidence from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Liberia

Christopher Blattman1; Julian Jamison2; Margaret A. Sheridan3

1 Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts and Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago, 1155 E. 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637 (e-mail: ) · 2 The World Bank Global Insights Initiative, MC4-404, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 (e-mail: ) · 3 Clinical Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 235 E. Cameron Street, Office 248, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 (e-mail: )

open access

Abstract

We show that a number of noncognitive 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 one-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.

DOI
10.1257/aer.20150503
Volume
107
Issue
4
Pages
1165-1206
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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