What is the pattern of self-harm and prison rule-breaking behaviour in personality disordered offenders in a high secure prison?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the pattern of self-harm (SH) and proven prison rule-breaking (PRB) behaviour in prisoners receiving treatment for personality disorders (PDs) within a high security prison.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparative quantitative case study design supported the understanding of the frequency and pattern of SH and PRB behaviour across two stages of a PD treatment programme for 74 male prisoners. Data obtained from the prison’s records were analysed using dependent t-tests, χ² test of independence and time-frequency analyses.

Findings

Inferential statistics showed that the frequency of SH and PRB behaviour statistically increased across two phases of the PD treatment programme; however, the method of SH or type of PRB behaviour engaged in did not change. Mapping the frequencies of incidents using a time-frequency analysis shows the patterns of both behaviours to be erratic, peaking in the latter phase of treatment, yet the frequency of incidents tended to decline over time.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore SH and PRB behaviours in men across two phases of a PD treatment programme. This study highlights the need for continued psychological support alongside the PD treatment programme with a focus on supporting men in treatment to effectively manage their SH and PRB behaviour.

Citation

de Motte, C., Bailey, D., Hunter, M. and Bennett, A.L. (2017), "What is the pattern of self-harm and prison rule-breaking behaviour in personality disordered offenders in a high secure prison?", Journal of Criminal Psychology, Vol. 7 No. 4, pp. 287-301. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCP-01-2017-0004