Deficits in behavioral inhibition predict treatment engagement in prison inmates.
Many inmates do not respond favorably to standard treatments routinely offered in prison. Executive cognitive functioning and emotional regulation may play a key role in treatment responsivity. During intake into treatment, inmates (N = 224) were evaluated for executive functioning, emotional perception, stress reactivity (salivary cortisol), IQ, psychological and behavioral traits, prior drug use, child and family background, and criminal histories and institutional behavior. Outcome measures included program completion, treatment readiness, responsivity and gain, and the Novaco Reaction to Provocation Questionnaire. Relative deficits in behavioral inhibition significantly predicted treatment outcomes, more so than background, psychological, or behavioral variables, and other neurocognitive and emotional regulatory measures. Future replications of these results have potential to improve assessment and treatment of offenders who are otherwise intractable.
Fishbein
Diana
D
RTI International, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. dfishbein@rti.org
Sheppard
Monica
M
Hyde
Christopher
C
Hubal
Robert
R
Newlin
David
D
Serin
Ralph
R
Chrousos
George
G
Alesci
Salvatore
S
D000328:Adult; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003415:Crime / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D056344:Executive Function; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D018187:Personal Construct Theory; D011329:Prisoners / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology*; D012008:Recurrence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D006854:Hydrocortisone