The use of dialectical behavioural therapy in the treatment of female patients in secure settings

Simms, Stacie Aimee (2020). The use of dialectical behavioural therapy in the treatment of female patients in secure settings. University of Birmingham. Foren.Psy.D.

Simms2020ForenPsyD_Redacted.pdf
Text - Redacted Version
Restricted to Repository staff only until 1 January 2119.
Available under License All rights reserved.
Download (1MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

This thesis focused on Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) for female patients in secure settings. DBT was originally developed for use in community settings; as such, there is a paucity of research on the use of DBT in secure settings. Chapter 1 introduces the wider literature regarding personality disorders and more specifically Borderline personality disorder (BPD), its prevalence in females in secure settings and treatment options available. Chapter 2 presents a systematic review of the existing literature examining the views of patients engaged in the DBT programme, in community and secure settings. Findings highlighted a lack of studies in this area. In order to advance current knowledge, Chapter 3 presents an empirical research study exploring the experiences of frontline staff working with women with BPD undergoing DBT treatment. More specifically, the research focussed on one understudied function of the DBT programme; structuring the environment (STE). Chapter 4 examines the psychometric properties of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) (Gratz & Roemer, 2004) and considers the utility of the assessment regarding research and use in secure, forensic settings. Chapter 5 concludes the thesis with a summary of the main findings and provides recommendations for practice and areas for further research.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Foren.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):