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Staying in the here-and-now: a pilot study on the use of dialectical behaviour therapy group skills training for forensic clients with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- SAKDALAN J. A., SHAW J., COLLIER V.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 54(6), June 2010, pp.568-572.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This brief report describes a pilot study evaluating the effectiveness of the dialectic behaviour therapy (DBT) group skills training programme adapted particularly for offenders with intellectual disability (ID). DBT has been used in individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who exhibit severe emotional and behavioural dysregulation but there is limited research assessing its effectiveness with forensic clients with ID. Six participants (5 male, age range 23-29 years, mean IQ=57) from Auckland completed the 13-week adapted DBT group skills training programme. All exhibited challenging behaviours and had a history of prior charges or convictions for violent crimes. Pre- and post-tests instruments were used to measure dynamic risks, relative strengths, coping skills and global functioning. Overall there were improvements across all outcome measures. The decrease in the level of risks, increase in relative strengths and general improvement in overall functioning were significant. It is concluded that the DBT group skills training programme format has potential for use as a stand alone intervention. However the small sample size and lack of control in this pilot study is noted and further longitudinal research recommended to assess whether the programme can reduce recidivism for offending in this client group.