Psychotherapeutic and rehabilitative interventions of criminal offenders within the South African context – a critical review through the lens of General Systems Theory

Abstract

The South African correctional system faces a myriad of institutional challenges, such as overcrowding and the spread of infectious diseases. The rate of recidivism amongst those having exited the correctional system remains a concern, raising questions regarding the exact nature of reoffence, as well as factors that may contribute toward perpetual engagement in criminality. Literature has highlighted mental illness as a risk factor that promotes the likelihood of recidivism. Whilst the topic of offender mental health is an area of ongoing enquiry within South Africa, limited research has been conducted on the rehabilitation and psychotherapy implemented within the correctional system aimed to treat psychological illness and promote desistance. The Department of Correctional Services embodies an ethos of rehabilitation over retributive justice. However, as limited information exists regarding the process and outcomes of rehabilitative initiatives, one begins to question what current rehabilitation and psychotherapy of offenders it is being informed by. This study aimed to collate and synthesise the existing literature pertaining to the psychotherapeutic and rehabilitative interventions of criminal offenders within the South African context. A critical review of this literature has been conducted, utilising General Systems Theory as a theoretical underpinning. The process outlined by Carnwell and Daly (2001) in conducting a critical review was followed; utilising thematic analysis as the blueprint for analysing the data extracted from a total

of 14 studies. Each study incorporated within this review met the predefined criteria for inclusion. Three primary themes were identified within the review process, namely, Intervention availability, Offender mental health, and Recidivism. It was found that while various interventions are available to criminal offenders both within, and outside to, a correctional setting; a mental health component to intervention is not always prioritised. However, in reviewing specialised interventions that draw focus to offender mental health, positive results have been yielded that demonstrate an increase in offender desistance from crime. The issue of criminal recidivism is prevalent throughout the literature reviewed. Themes pertaining to both the efficacy of and challenges to rehabilitation in reducing recidivism was illustrated. These include overcrowding, substance abuse, and a lack of community involvement in reintegrating offenders back into society. The use of General Systems Theory allowed for an increased understanding concerning the interconnection of variables surrounding the rehabilitation and psychotherapeutic intervention of criminal offenders within South Africa. An outline of the systems that emerged from the data reviewed, as well as the dynamic pattern of interaction between them, has been provided. This research is the first critical review on the topic of rehabilitative and psychotherapeutic intervention of criminal offenders within South Africa. As such, a contribution has been made to the body of literature surrounding the South African criminal reform system. It has drawn focus to pertinent issues raised throughout the literature reviewed, providing a platform for further engagement, policy reform and research on the topic. This review has also indicated the successes of various interventions, contributing to a body of evidence that can serve to inform the continued, effective psychological treatment of criminal offenders within South Africa.