BYU’s research shows that RealVictory reduces the negative behaviors that lead to recidivism, as well as shoring up the positive behaviors that prevent it. Most exciting, however, is current research with our juvenile population which shows that, compared to other juveniles on probation, RealVictory participants are less likely to face felony charges or return to jail.

After three years of study and over 300 adult participants and 50 juvenile participants, our research shows a statistically significant reduction in recidivism for our juvenile participants. Based on the criminal records of 48 juveniles over a 410 day period (6 wk training course + 1 year phone coach), juvenile participants were 23% less likely to be rearrested, and they had a much longer time between arrests (241 days for RealVictory juveniles compared to 154 days for control group participants), see Table 1.

Our researchers also use statistical growth modeling when analyzing juvenile responses to our prosocial attitudes and beliefs assessment tool. This allows our researchers to not only identify differences in juvenile behavior at certain points in time, but to create a valid trend that predicts future behavior.

For example, our research shows statistically significant differences between control group reports and RealVictory participants on important key risk and protective factors, including peer association and prosocial behaviors. As shown in the two graphs below, responses for both the control group and the RealVictory group are almost identical when they enter the project. However, as time passes, the control group reports that their behavior gets steadily worse while the RealVictory group reports increasingly more positive behavior.  The difference begins to show within the second month. 

The differences are statistically significant, but more important is the trend and the fact that the gap widens over time.  Based on the predictive nature of the statistical growth modeling used to do the analysis, those in the control group will continue to deteriorate to dysfunctional behavior while the RealVictory group will become increasingly more pro-social.

Research has found one of the most difficult challenges in preventing recidivism is finding programs that have long-term impact.  Many programs can show that people learn new skills but few can show that those skills result in behavior change after 6 months or a year.  RealVictory tracks participants for 12 months and has documented results that show RealVictory has a positive impact and that impact increases over time.