Prevalence of Speech and Language Difficulties in adult male offenders
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prevalence of Speech and Language Difficulties in adult male offenders in custody: a preliminary investigation
IRAS ID
133366
Contact name
Jan Green
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Forth Valley Research and Development
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 25 days
Research summary
In the UK, around 10% of members of the general population have Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCNs) impacting on their daily functioning. It is well established that there is a very high prevalence of SLCNs amongst Young Offenders, with around 60% being affected (Bryan, 2004; Bryan et al, 2007). Increased understanding of the communication needs of Young Offenders has fostered development of more efficient healthcare and rehabilitation interventions, and increased understanding of the risk and preventative factors in offending behaviour. Data on adults is lacking (RCSLT Evidence Dossier, 2012). We know that Adult Male Offender populations contain high rates of the correlates of SLCNs, but to date there has been no study of the prevalence and nature of these difficulties amongst Adult Male Offenders in custody.
This study will make a preliminary investigation of the nature and prevalence of such difficulties in an adult male prisoner population. Thirty five prisoners will be recruited and will undergo an interview and formal assessment exploring aspects of their communication abilities and self-perception.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
14/WS/1148
Date of REC Opinion
28 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion