Citation

Forster O, Shaw J. J. Forensic Psychiatry Psychol. 2018; 29(5): 733-743.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/14789949.2018.1508488

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Self-injury (SI) is a significant and growing problem with the prison estate and a particularly acute issue with young offenders. Despite this, there are no evidence-based interventions for Young Offenders with SI difficulties. The Self-Injury Group Psychotherapy Intervention (SIGPI) was developed to target this.

METHOD: Drawing on existing evidence, the group was developed and piloted on a sample of 12 male Young Offenders (mean age 19.85 years) in custody with a history of SI. Participants were measured on observable SI behaviour, SI thoughts and urges and psychological distress. A within subject design was utilised with measures at baseline, 6 months and 1 year.

RESULTS: At 12 months follow-up, a significant reduction in SI acts, time spent on SI monitoring, severity of urges and difficulty resisting SI. Psychological distress was also reduced.

CONCLUSIONS: SIGPI could be a potentially promising intervention and further investigation into its efficacy is warranted.

Language: en

Keywords

forensic; group psychotherapy; self-harm; Self-injury; young offenders