Developing a self‐report measure to assess disclosure strategies in adult male prisoners and its association with personality
| Date | 10 May 2013 |
| Pages | 97-108 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14636641311322287 |
| Published date | 10 May 2013 |
| Author | Kerry Ferguson,Carol A. Ireland,Jane L. Ireland |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Public policy & environmental management,Sociology |
Developing a self-report measure to
assess disclosure strategies in adult male
prisoners and its association with
personality
Kerry Ferguson, Carol A. Ireland and Jane L. Ireland
Abstract
Purpose – The current study aims to report on the development of a self-report measure of disclosure
strategies in adult male prisoners (violent and acquisitive offences) and its association with personality
and self-esteem.
Design/methodology/approach – The study employed an adapted version of the Delphi technique to
develop initial items for inclusion in the new disclosure measure (Disclosure Management
Questionnaire: DMQ). This element of the study utilised an ‘‘expert sample’’ of forensic psychologists.
A total of 94 prisoners then completed the developed measure. Factor analysis was utilised to explore
the structure of the measure, which subsequently allowed associations between disclosure strategies,
personality and self-esteem to be identified.
Findings – Analysis revealed a measure of disclosure (the DMQ) comprising four subscales:
Exploratory Engagement, Placatory/Evasive Engagement, Passive Resistance and Active Resistance.
Significant correlations were identified between the personality trait Neuroticism and higher levels of
Placatory/Evasive Engagement and Active Resistance of forensicclients during the disclosure process.
Self-esteem was also found to correlate with disclosure, in that high trait self-esteem was found to be
associated with higher exploratory engagement, whereas low trait self-esteem was associated with
higher levels of active resistance of the disclosure process.
Originality/value – Developing an understanding of the nature and function of disclosure and how these
relate to individual factors such as personality (including trait self-esteem) provides valuable knowledge
and alternative ways of supporting forensic clients in discussing difficult issues related to their offending.
Keywords Disclosure, Personality, Self-esteem, Forensicclients
Paper type Research paper
Willingness to disclose information about one’s offending behaviour is argued to be a critical
factor in the change process of forensic clients (Frost et al., 2009). The term ‘‘disclosure’’
refers to the process by which a person reveals information about themselves, including
their thoughts, feelings and experiences (Dindia et al., 1997). Although this concept has
been widely researched in the field of social psychology, there is limited research into the
disclosure of offenders, particularly when discussing topics that may be uncomfortable,
such as offending behaviour. According to Frost et al. (2006) the exploration of strategies
that individuals adopt during disclosure may provide practitioners with understanding about
client engagement and the function this serves, therefore potentially increasing the
effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing reoffending.
Frost et al. (2006) used a sample of 16 sexual offenders engaged in treatment in New Zealand
to explore disclosure strategies. Their study suggested that individuals held different goals
and adopted different strategies during the disclosure process. Frost et al. (2006) refer to
such goals of disclosure as being related to sources of personal validation of self. This
personal validation is either self-directed (where emphasis is placed on self-evaluation)
DOI 10.1108/14636641311322287 VOL. 15 NO. 2 2013, pp. 97-108, QEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8794
j
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PRACTICE
j
PAGE 97
Kerry Ferguson is Forensic
Psychologist in Training at
HM Prison Service,
Leyland, UK.
Carol A. Ireland is based at
Ashworth Research Centre,
School of Psychology,
University of Central
Lancashire, Preston, UK
and CCATS: Coastal Child
and Adolescent Therapy
Services, UK.
Jane L. Ireland is based at
Ashworth Research Centre,
Mersey Care NHS Trustand
School of Psychology,
University of Central
Lancashire, Preston, UK.
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