Perceptions of treatment among offenders with mental health problems and problematic substance use: The possible relevance of psychopathic personality traits ()
ABSTRACT
Substance abuse is related to re-offending, and substance
abuse treatment may be effective in reducing criminal recidivism. Psychopathy,
however, another factor that strongly correlates with re-offending, may be
negatively associated with treatment utilization. This qualitative study explored
perceptions of substance abuse treatment among offenders with mental health
problems, problematic substance use, and various degrees of psychopathic
personality traits. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) revealed
that some treatment perceptions may vary with degree of psychopathic traits.
For instance, participants with low and high degrees of psychopathic
personality traits had different views on treatment requirements imposed upon
them. Many treatment perceptions were also similar between the two participant
groups. Thus, treatment perceptions may not be explained by degree of
psychopathic personality traits alone, but the presence of some particular psychopathic
traits may be relevant in explaining certain treatment perceptions. The results
highlight the complex relationship between the individual and the treatment
system, and may give input to future studies on rehabilitation of offenders
with multiple treatment needs.
Share and Cite:
Durbeej, N. , Alm, C. and Gumpert, C. (2014) Perceptions of treatment among offenders with mental health problems and problematic substance use: The possible relevance of psychopathic personality traits.
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
4, 79-90. doi:
10.4236/ojpsych.2014.41012.