Implications of the Conceptual Level Matching Model for Treatment of Delinquents

Abstract

Research has clearly demonstrated that there are individual differences among delinquents and that there are great differences among treatment ap proaches. This paper reviews a theoretical framework, the Conceptual Level Matching Model, which appears to offer a coherent basis for coordinating offender differences with the diversity of existing treatment approaches in order to maximize benefits for the offenders and for society. Within this model, individual differences are described as falling along a continuum of conceptual complexity, going from concrete to abstract, while the aspect of the environment most relevant to this continuum is seen to be degree of struc ture. From this framework, it is possible to predict theoretically "matched" or "mismatched" environments for individuals of known conceptual level. Evidence for the usefulness of this model in educational and therapeutic ap plications is reviewed and data are presented from a recent application to delinquency treatment. In this study, the theoretical expectations of the CL Matching Model were supported by behavioral adjustment results during and after residential treatment. The results of this study appear to have clear implications for treatment practice and further research. Several of these im plications are discussed.

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