A quasi-experimental pilot study of the Reasoning and Rehabilitation programme with mentally disordered offenders

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Abstract

Cognitive-skills interventions, such as the Reasoning and Rehabilitation (RR) programme, have been repeatedly shown to have the largest impact on recidivism. However, we have yet to establish the extent to which mentally disordered offenders (MDOs) can benefit from such interventions. Using a quasi-experimental design, we sought to determine: (1) the feasibility of implementing RR with MDOs, and (2) whether participation was associated with improved psychosocial function. Male patients with psychotic disorders were recruited from two forensic medium secure hospitals, 18 were allocated to receive the full RR programme, while the control group (N=17) received treatment-as-usual. All participants completed a battery of questionnaires both before and after treatment. Only three patients failed to complete the full 36-session RR programme. Those who completed the programme showed significantly improved problem solving ability and increased coping responses. The results suggest that MDOs can benefit from participation in the RR programme.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)490 - 500
Number of pages11
JournalJOURNAL OF FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHOLOGY
Volume21
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2010

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