Treatment of impulsive aggression in correctional settings

Purpose. This article reports the implementation of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy—Corrections Modified (DBT‐CM) for difficult to manage, impulsive and/or aggressive correctional populations. Methods. Participants were English‐speaking women (n = 18) and men (n = 45) of diverse cultural backgrounds between the ages of 16 and 59 years old retained in state‐run prisons in Connecticut. Following consent, and a psychological assessment battery, twice‐weekly DBT‐CM groups were held over 16 weeks followed by random assignment to DBT coaching or case management condition, with sessions taking place individually for eight weeks. Data analysis. A mixed effects regression model was used to test the hypotheses: participants will show decreased aggression, impulsivity, and psychopathology, as well as improved coping, after completing the DBT‐CM groups; and will show greater reduction in targeted behaviors than those receiving case management at the six month and 12 month follow‐up assessment periods. Results. Significant reduction in targeted behavior was found from baseline to following the16 week DBT‐CM skills treatment groups. Both case management and DBT coaching were significant at 12 month follow‐up. A significant difference was found for adult men and women. Conclusions. The study supports the value of DBT‐CM for management of aggressive behaviors in prison settings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.