RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: EVALUATION OF COMMUNITY FACTORS

The aim of this study was to analyze the psychological and community factors that lead to acceptance and effectiveness of restorative justice. The final sample consisted of 210 participants. A questionnaire that included demographic variables, and scales that measure empathy, emotional expression, social cohesion, leadership, intolerance, and acceptance of restorative justice was used. Data was analyzed using a structural equation model. Results showed that positive attitudes towards restorative justice were positively predicted by leadership and negatively by intolerance. Emotional expression had a direct and positive effect on intolerance. Social cohesion affected positively empathy and empathy influenced emotional expression.