The experience of forensic males in dialectical behaviour therapy (forensic version): a qualitative exploratory study
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-01-2016-0003 |
| Date | 13 February 2017 |
| Published date | 13 February 2017 |
| Pages | 47-58 |
| Author | Samantha Russell,Belinda Siesmaa |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Forensic practice,Sociology,Sociology of crime & law,Law enforcement/correctional,Public policy & environmental management,Policing,Criminal justice |
The experience of forensic males in
dialectical behaviour therapy (forensic
version): a qualitative exploratory study
Samantha Russell and Belinda Siesmaa
Abstract
Purpose –Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) has been widely used in a number of different settings with
published outcomes and literature supporting its validity and efficacy. What is less understood is DBT’s
application to forensic populations. The purpose of this paper is to qualitatively explore the experiences of
high risk and adult male forensic clients (diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial
personality disorder (ASPD)) in a forensic adapted version of DBT.
Design/methodology/approach –Six clients who had completed four modules of DBT and individual
therapy engaged in semi-structured interviews which were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings –The findings identified emerging themes relating to group processes and treatment outcomes.
Specifically, the importance of motivation, shared learning, professionalism, reinforcement and reflection in
creating a positive experience of DBT were identified. In addition clients identified feeling supported, a sense
of belonging, personal achievement, increased knowledge and skills application as being part of their
experience of DBT.
Research limitations/implications –Whilst efforts were made to manage l imitations, potential
confounders include the impact of the researcher’s direct involvement in the facilitation of DBT and the
small sample size.
Practical implications –This study provides support for the use of DBT with forensic males diagnosed with
ASPD and BPD and the importance of the group component to the treatment modality. It emphasises the
importance of group cohesion and the development of interpersonal factors including feeling supported,
sense of belonging and a sense of achievement.
Originality/value –This paper provides a unique contribution to the understanding of the application of DBT
with forensic male clients with personality disorder. It is the first known study to use qualitative methods to
explore forensic male clients’experiences of group and individual DBT. This paper provides insight into the
key themes of clients’experiences of DBT. These identified themes lend support to the importance of
motivation of clients and the experience of shared learning, reinforcement and reflection. Furthermore, feeling
supported, having a sense of belonging and a sense of personal achievement were identified as key to the
positive experience of clients.
Keywords Treatment, Offenders, Antisocial behaviour, Borderline personality disorder (BPD),
Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), Forensic mental health
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Originally developed in 1993 by Marsha Linehan,dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)is a cognitive
behaviour-based treatment primarily designed for women displaying parasuicidal behaviour and
who have a diagnosisof borderline personalitydisorder (BPD) (Linehan,1993a, b). The primary aim
of DBT is to reduce the presenceof life-threatening suicidalbehaviour, and does this by integrating
cognitive, behavioural and spiritual techniques (Blennerhassett and O’Raghallaigh, 2005).
DBT is designed to meet five functions: enhancing the patient’s capabilities; improving the
patient’s motivation; generalising skills learnt to everyday life; enhancing the therapists motivation
Received 20 January 2016
Revised 11 April 2016
18 April 2016
Accepted 18 April 2016
Samantha Russell is a Senior
Forensic Psychologist atthe
LPP PathwaysService, HMP
Swaleside,Isle of Sheppey, UK.
Belinda Siesmaa is a
Psychologist at Canterbury
Christchurch University,
Kent, UK.
DOI 10.1108/JFP-01-2016-0003 VOL. 19 NO. 1 2017, pp. 47-58, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8794
j
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PRACTICE
j
PAG E 47
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