Scared Straight

Scared Straight

From Why We Do What We Do by Abraham

April 1, 2026 · 54 min · Episode 465

About this episode

This episode examines the flawed concept of Scared Straight programs and the reasons for their persistence despite negative feedback from law enforcement.

Perhaps this would have made a good Halloween episode? Probably not. Anyway, this episode honors April Fool's day by examining a foolish endeavor: Scared Straight programs. We review the scientific research and philosophy underlying the idea of Scared Straight. Unsurprisingly, this is an idea that is so bad that even the cops don't like it. So, why does it persist...? Recommendations Abraham: Zootopia 2 Shane: A Wilhelm Scream - Cheap Heat (https://open.spotify.com/album/4fcuCuXF4E22R8Imztwbio?si=62c224dddd324aa6) Holidays (4/1/2026): April Fools Day Boomer Bonus Day Edible Book Day Fossil Fools Day International Tatting Day Library Snap Shot Day Lupus Alert Day National Atheist Day National Fun Day National Jump in Muddy Puddles Day National One Cent Day National Sourdough Bread Day Poetry and The Creative Mind Day St. Stupid Day APAWS International Pooper Scooper Week Golden Rule Week Laugh at Work Week Medication Safety Week Testicular Cancer Awareness Week Links and References: https://portal.cops.usdoj.gov/resourcecenter/content.ashx/cops-p288-pub.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7783688/ https://www.wested.org/resource/scared-straight/…

People in this episode

Host: Abraham

Topics covered

  • Scared Straight programs
  • scientific research
  • philosophy
  • juvenile prevention
  • social behavior

Keywords

  • Scared Straight
  • juvenile programs
  • criminal justice
  • psychology
  • April Fools Day

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Zootopia 2, A Wilhelm Scream - Cheap Heat

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