Staying in the here-and-now: a pilot study on the use of dialectical behaviour therapy group skills training for forensic clients with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND

Dialectic behaviour therapy (DBT) has been widely used with individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who exhibit severe emotional and behavioural dysregulation. There is a paucity of research in assessing the effectiveness of DBT with forensic clients with intellectual disability (ID).

METHODS

This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the DBT group skills training programme adapted particularly for offenders with ID. Six participants completed the 13-week adapted DBT group skills training programme. All participants exhibited challenging behaviours and have a history of prior charges or convictions for violent crimes. The study conducted pre- and post-tests using instruments that measured dynamic risks, relative strengths, coping skills and global functioning.

RESULTS

The study result showed improvement across all measures. A decrease in the level of risks, increase in relative strengths and general improvement in overall functioning were found significant. The results were promising particularly as a stand-alone adapted DBT group skills training programme for this client group.