Moderation Effect of Treatment on Criminal Thinking and Aggression
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does Treatment Dosage Moderate the Relationship between Criminal Thinking Styles and Aggression in Personality Disordered Offenders?
IRAS ID
190366
Contact name
Naomi Murphy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 19 days
Research summary
The relationship between criminal attitudes and aggression is well documented for offender populations (Walters, 1996, 1999; Palmer & Hollin, 2003, 2004) and is linked to recidivism (reoffending) in this group (Palmer & Hollin, 2004; Walters & Elliott, 1999, Walters, 1997). However the way in which treatment may affect this association has not been investigated to date. The aim of the study is to determine whether the relationship between criminal thinking styles and aggression in personality disordered offenders is moderated by treatment dosage. The sample will consist of violent male offenders (N=65) undergoing offence reduction treatment on a psychotherapeutic wing of HMP Whitemoor. Participants have a diagnosis of personality disorder (PD) which is functionally linked to their offending and have received varying levels of treatment dosage, measured as session attendance.
We hypothesise that the relationship between criminal thinking styles and aggression will be reduced by greater treatment dosage. The study will test this hypothesis using a cross-sectional design and well validated and reliable measures. Criminal attitudes will be measured using the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS). The PICTS is a self-report measure of criminal thinking styles designed for a prison population. Aggression will be measured using the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS). The MOAS is an observer rated measure of verbal and physical aggression to self, objects and others as assessed by prison staff. Treatment dosage is collected routinely and will be calculated from wing records as the number of therapy sessions attended since commencement of treatment.
The findings of this study may contribute to the treatment evidence base for this group. Specifically, we hope to establish to what extent treatment may decouple the association between criminal thinking styles and aggression in those with histories of persistent violent offending. This study is funded by CPFT through the Fens Unit Clinical Studies Team.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EE/0237
Date of REC Opinion
18 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion