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A form of relapse prevention for men in a high security hospital
Author(s) -
Newton Liam,
Coles Dawn,
Quayle Marie
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
criminal behaviour and mental health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1471-2857
pISSN - 0957-9664
DOI - 10.1002/cbm.2
Subject(s) - empathy , relapse prevention , psychology , randomized controlled trial , impulsivity , clinical psychology , hostility , psychiatry , medicine , surgery
Background Marlatt and Gordon's relapse prevention model has evolved, and been applied to many repetitive problem behaviours, including drug use, gambling and sexual offending. High security hospital patients often present with a number of such behaviours. Aim To evaluate a relapse prevention group in one high security hospital. Method Nine patients were selected on clinical need for the group. In a naturalistic study design, each completed several self‐report questionnaires pre‐ and post‐group. Results Analysis of group results demonstrated a significant increase in guilt and acceptance of responsibility for offences (GBAI ratings), and reduced endorsement of pro‐offending thinking styles (PICTS). Movement towards increased empathy, and decreased impulsivity and venturesomeness, did not reach significance. All participants showed some changes in desired directions but effects were small. Conclusions Both relapse prevention and its evaluation are limited in high security hospitals by the restricted opportunities for testing out new skills. The feasibility of delivering an RP programme and evaluating it in high security has nevertheless been established. The small effects found may be promising, and suggest both justification and need for a randomized controlled trial of this approach in that setting. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.