Antisocial Personality

[PMH]

I had a great time in Austin this week listening to the speakers from Specialized Training Services.

Anna Salter's presentation reminded us that research shows that there are two factors that consistently show increased risk for offenders.

These are Deviant Arousal and Antisocial attitudes.

Treatment rarely addresses the Antisocial attitudes directly. I found it interesting that lack of empathy is part of antisocial, but Empathy by itself fails to make the cut in terms of making a difference in recidivism.

I think a lot of what we do in treatment does indirectly have an impact on Antisocial attitudes.

Still, if we were to create a module to address this directly, I think I would want to add assignments to address this directly.

Some ideas:

1. Prosocial Behaviors
2. Impulse Control
3. Anger Management
4. Social Contracting
5. Long Term Planning
6. Decision Making
7. Intimacy
8. Loyalty to Job
9. Loyalty to Spouse
10. Give and Take in relationships
11. Respect for Others’ boundaries
12. Respect for Others’ Viewpoints
13. Respect for Others: Rules and Laws
14. Problem Solving
15. Regulation of Self
16. Grievance Thinking: Everyone is out to screw me.
17. Sexual Preoccupation
18. Values Development

What do you folks think?

-PMH

[jlooman]

In our program we do not have an Antisocial Attitudes module as such, but address most or all of these points throughout our program in the various modules we deliver. For example, in our Emotions Management we address anger and hostility. We have a Social skills component that addresses assertiveness, communication skills, problem solving, and so on all focused on developing prosocial, supportive relationships. We also, in our cognitive distortions component, address general pro-criminal attitudes/distorted thinking.

A large proportion of our clientele would meet the criteria for ASPD, and 25-30% for psychopathy, so we've had to accomodate these men.

Jan

[docjan]

Hi. We also tend to address lots of these issues throughout. However, I am thinking even more focus is needed. I have continued to see a growing problem with these two areas (and others) with incoming offenders.

So, any ideas on some specifics? Did Anna Salter give some ideas on specifics?

BTW - I hate that I could not get away to get there as I had wanted to. I knew I would regret it (even more than I did before the actual workshop).

[PMH]

Apr 14, 2010 10:24:53 GMT -6 docjan said:

So, any ideas on some specifics? Did Anna Salter give some ideas on specifics?

BTW - I hate that I could not get away to get there as I had wanted to. I knew I would regret it (even more than I did before the actual workshop).

No, she didn't give any specifics. I started day dreaming during her presentation (oops!) and thought about the PCLR categories, and that is where most of those items came from. Except for the one on "grievance thinkning" ... that one was hers.

Sorry you are now living with regrets. Maybe its time to do some work around your thinking errors? ;D

-PMH

[docjan]

Oh, no! My thinking errors are my friends! ;D

I find that lots of workshops and even printed materials do a great job at introducing the topic and even helping to identify who might have the issues, but very few have specifics to try. Oh well - maybe that means the usual - "everyone is different and needs unique handling." Or whatever...

Can you tell it is a Monday? My optimistic and cheery disposition is still asleep...

Back later, Janice