The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of incarceration on behavior patterns on DUI second offenders. This study assessed the thoughts, feelings, and actions of adult, male DUI second offenders at four points. Specifically, behavior patterns were assessed at the time the individual made a decision to engage in drinking which led to their second DUI arrest, at two points during their incarceration for this offense, and thirty days after their parole from jail.

A review of the extant literature provided insight into the factors influencing DUI recidivism. An interview protocol was developed from the literature analysis. Data were collected by interview and by extraction of relevant information from confidential court records.

The TFA Clinical Interview was contained in the interview protocol and provided qualitative and quantitative data relevant to each participant's decision about engaging in drinking at specific times. The Hutchins Behavior Inventory (HBI) was used at two intervals, in conjunction with the TFA Clinical Interview, as an objective quantitative assessment of behavior relevant to the same drinking decision. The quantitative and qualitative assessment of thoughts, feelings, and actions contributed to the overall conclusion that incarceration had no effect on behavior pattern change for these DUI second offenders.

The results of this study suggest the DUI second offender planned their drinking events, failed to consider the consequences of drinking and driving behavior, and perceived a low probability of detection of driving under the influence. Feelings relevant to the drinking episode were positive based on anticipation of favorable social interaction. Actions were limited to work and those activities which involved drinking.

TFA System (tm) provided a method to evaluate thoughts, feelings, and actions relevant to decisions about engaging in drinking behavior. Such a method of assessment showed promise as a valuable tool to be used in the development of effective intervention strategies for DUI recidivists.