Violent offenders' within-treatment change in dynamic risk and protective factors: associations with violent recidivism

This thesis investigates whether within-treatment changes on intermediary treatment targets are associated with violent reoffending at post-treatment follow-up. Taken together, the results do not provide evidence that changes in dynamic risk and protective factors translate into reductions in violence propensity. Furthermore, it remains unclear how protective factors operate in relation to reductions in risk. Developing a greater understanding of change processes and how violent offender treatment works is critical, not only in terms of delivering more effective interventions, but in terms of managing violence risk and promoting public safety.