The present study is a panel-design study with the primary goal of examining the effect of Victim Impact Training (VIT) on the development of guilt, shame, and empathy among offenders. The secondary goal of this study is to examine the effect of empathy development on recidivism. MANCOVA results show no overall significant differences between offenders who participated in the VIT program in comparison to the control group on the development of guilt, shame, and empathy. Further, the results indicate no significant effect of empathy on recidivism. However, results indicate two significant findings: (1) offenders who report higher levels of guilt are more likely to report positive empathy development; and (2) that VIT participants in comparison to the control group were less likely to recidivate. The implications of these findings are discussed.
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