Treatment of impulsive aggression in correctional settings.
OBJECTIVE
This article reports the implementation of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-Corrections Modified (DBT-CM) for difficult to manage, impulsive and/or aggressive correctional populations.


METHODS
Participants were English-speaking women (n = 18) and men (n = 45) of diverse cultural backgrounds between the ages of 16 and 59 years old retained in state-run prisons in Connecticut. Following consent, and a psychological assessment battery, twice-weekly DBT-CM groups were held over 16 weeks followed by random assignment to DBT coaching or case management condition, with sessions taking place individually for eight weeks. Data analysis. A mixed effects regression model was used to test the hypotheses: participants will show decreased aggression, impulsivity, and psychopathology, as well as improved coping, after completing the DBT-CM groups; and will show greater reduction in targeted behaviors than those receiving case management at the six month and 12 month follow-up assessment periods.


RESULTS
Significant reduction in targeted behavior was found from baseline to following the 16 week DBT-CM skills treatment groups. Both case management and DBT coaching were significant at 12 month follow-up. A significant difference was found for adult men and women.


CONCLUSIONS
The study supports the value of DBT-CM for management of aggressive behaviors in prison settings.
School of Nursing, Division of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030-5386, USA. Shelton@uchc.edu
Deborah
D
Shelton
Susan
S
Sampl
Karen L
KL
Kesten
Wanli
W
Zhang
Robert L
RL
Trestman
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D011330:Prisons; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D012919:Social Behavior; D016896:Treatment Outcome