Policy Insights in Crime, Violence, and Conflict

J-PAL’s Crime, Violence, and Conflict sector focuses on promoting safe communities and designing effective policies to manage and reduce violence and conflict. The policy insight below summarizes lessons from randomized evaluations on the impact of programs that draw on principles of cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce crime and violence.
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Chris Blattman (University of Chicago) and Jens Ludwig (University of Chicago); Crime, Violence, and Conflict Co-Chairs

young men sitting in wheelbarrows
Photo: Glenna Gordon | J-PAL

Young men participate in an activity for the Becoming a Man program in Chicago. Photo: Rob Kozloff | University of Chicago

Reducing criminal behavior through cognitive behavioral therapy

Last updated: April 2018
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce criminal behavior among both at-risk youth and criminally engaged men, likely by helping them focus more on the future, change their self-perceptions, and/or slow their decision-making.

Sector Chairs

Chris Blattman

Co-Chair, Crime, Violence, and Conflict

Ramalee E. Pearson Professor of Global Conflict Studies

University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy

Oeindrila Dube

Co-Chair, Crime, Violence, and Conflict

Philip K. Pearson Professor of Global Conflict Studies

University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy

Sector Contacts

Headshot of Aimee Barnes
Aimee Barnes

Policy Associate , J-PAL Global

Headshot of Aprille Knox
Aprille Knox

Policy Manager, J-PAL Global

Isabela Salgado

Senior Policy Associate, J-PAL Global