Citation

Hampson L, Lennox C, Killilea J, Awenat Y, Pratt D. J. Forensic Psychol. Res. Pract. 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/24732850.2022.2051663

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Background Retention of participants to programs of psychological therapy in a prison setting is problematic. Intensively delivered therapy has emerged in recent years, in contrast to the traditional format of weekly sessions of psychological therapy.

METHOD This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an intensive program of cognitive behavior suicide prevention therapy within a male prison, for the first time. Thirteen participants consented to take part. Up to 10 h of therapy was offered, across five sessions, within a 3-week delivery window. Outcome measures were completed at baseline and follow-up.

RESULTS Program completion and client satisfaction with the intensive program were high. Outcomes related to suicidal distress were assessed, with effect sizes reported. Large and statistically significant effect sizes were found for suicidal ideation and emotional regulation when comparing baseline to follow-up. Small and non-significant effects were found for social support and problem solving when comparing the same.

CONCLUSION The study holds promise for the feasibility and efficacy of delivering an intensive cognitive behavior suicide prevention therapy for people in prison. Further exploration on a larger scale is warranted [Clinical Trial ID: NCT03499548].

Language: en

Keywords

cognitive strategies; male criminal offenders; prison; Suicide ideation