RNR, Happiness, and Staying Out of Trouble: Is There a Connection?

Happiness is a complex idea that has fascinated thinkers for ages. Is it the simple joy of a tasty treat or the profound satisfaction of helping others? As we explore this, it’s interesting to consider that staying on the right path in life contributes to our overall happiness. This blog post delves into the perspectives of pleasure (hedonic happiness) and fulfillment (eudaimonic happiness), and will also touch on how these concepts relate to the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model used in criminal justice.

Two Perspectives on Happiness

To better understand happiness, let’s explore two main perspectives: hedonic and eudaimonic happiness.

Hedonic Happiness

Hedonic happiness is all about pleasure, fun, and feeling good right now. It’s the thrill of a roller coaster, the taste of delicious food, or the joy of a relaxing day off.

Eudaimonic Happiness

Eudaimonia (a Greek word meaning “good spirit” or “flourishing”) is happiness that comes from purpose, growth, and living in line with your values. It’s about long-term fulfillment, not just quick thrills.

Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Model:

Now, how does all of this connect with staying on the right path and avoiding criminal behavior? This is where the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model comes into play. The RNR model, widely used in criminal justice, offers insights into what factors lead individuals towards or away from crime.

• What is the RNR Model? The RNR model is a framework used to assess and rehabilitate individuals, particularly those on probation. It emphasizes three key principles:
  • Risk Principle: Higher-risk offenders need more intensive interventions, while lower-risk offenders should receive minimal intervention to avoid adverse effects.
  • Need Principle: Focus on criminogenic needs, which are factors directly related to criminal behavior. Examples include antisocial attitudes, substance abuse, and lack of education/employment.
  • Responsivity Principle: Tailor interventions to the learning styles, abilities, and circumstances of offenders. This ensures that the treatment is effective for the individual.

Criminogenic Risk Factors

Individuals involved in the justice system often acquire criminogenic risk factors throughout their life trajectories. Some of these include:

• Lack of structured leisure activities
• Strained family and marital relationships
• Poor school and work performance
• Substance abuse

The strongest predictors of criminal behavior are:

• A history of delinquency
• Criminal thinking patterns
• Anti-social behavioral tendencies

The Emerging Desistance Model: Beyond Crime Reduction

Desistance is not just about addressing criminogenic needs—it’s about helping individuals build a positive, crime-free future. Rather than focusing solely on the pathways into crime, desistance emphasizes the pathways out.

Key Elements of Desistance

• Human Capital – Building life skills, education, and employment opportunities.
• Social Capital – Surrounding oneself with pro-social individuals who provide opportunities for positive life changes.
• Script Rewrite – Shifting from a condemnation script (“I’m a criminal, and that’s all I’ll ever be”) to a redemption script (“My past does not define my future”).

How RNR Relates to Happiness

Interestingly, the principles of RNR can be linked back to our discussion of hedonic and eudaimonic happiness:

• Addressing Criminogenic Needs (RNR) and Eudaimonic Happiness: By focusing on criminogenic needs like lack of education or substance abuse, we’re helping individuals build skills and find purpose. This aligns with eudaimonic happiness – the satisfaction of personal growth and contributing to society.
• Building a Pro-Social Life (RNR) and Hedonic Happiness: Having stable employment, positive relationships, and engaging in constructive activities reduces stress and increases opportunities for positive experiences, leading to hedonic happiness.

The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Interventions

People engage in criminal behavior based on perceived costs and rewards. If the reward outweighs the risk, they are more likely to continue down that path. Our role in corrections and rehabilitation is to intervene and reduce criminogenic factors through evidence-based interventions, such as:

• Chemical dependency treatment
• Education and employment services
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Research in Nebraska, has shown that using the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) to assess risk and needs in juvenile probation can effectively predict recidivism. The study found that Nebraska’s juvenile recidivism rate (25.9%) is lower than the Midwest average of 33%.

Research on desistance has found that individuals who successfully move away from crime often do so by developing a new, positive identity and building strong social connections.
For example, a former offender who becomes a mentor for at-risk youth is not only reducing their own risk of re-offending but also experiencing eudaimonic happiness by making a difference in their community.

Finding the Right Balance: A Recipe for a Fulfilling (and Law-Abiding) Life

The key isn’t choosing one type of happiness (hedonic or eudaimonic) over the other. It’s about finding a balance that works for you.

• Enjoy the small pleasures – watch that movie, eat that treat, laugh with friends.
• Invest in long-term fulfillment – pursue your goals, cultivate meaningful relationships, and contribute to something bigger than yourself.
• Furthermore, understand the factors that can lead you down the wrong path and take steps to mitigate those risks.

A Holistic Approach to Happiness and Well-being

Happiness isn’t just about feeling good in the moment – it’s about building a life that feels meaningful and purposeful in the long run, while also staying on the right track.