A program for the treatment of executive dysfunction in brain -injured offenders.

Anger Management

April 2021

Full Citation

Portilla, M. (2001). A program for the treatment of executive dysfunction in brain -injured offenders. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

Abstract

Several models can serve to explain criminally violent behavior. Nevertheless, deficits in executive function provide the greatest evidence for the expression of this behavior. Numerous studies conclude that a strong correlation exists between executive dysfunction and criminal/violent behavior. Head injury to the prefrontal lobe of the brain is one factor that may result in impairments of executive function. A comprehensive review of the literature reveals that individuals with head injury with damage to this lobe, result in impairments of executive function. These deficits increase an individual's inability to plan, to learn from previous behavior, or to inhibit inappropriate responses. More specifically, the literature shows that damage to this area of the brain is present in offenders who exhibit impulsivity and aggressive/violent behavior. The background of this program includes a review of the literature that summarizes the association between deficits in executive function and the behavioral sequalae of brain-injured offenders, as well as realistic and effective intervention strategies. The development of this program follows a cognitive-behavioral approach to treatment through the use of three group therapies: social skills training, problem solving skills training, and anger management skills training. The goal of this program is to increase the behavior management of brain-injured offenders by decreasing aggression and other forms of socially inappropriate behavior during the period of incarceration. The program includes a referral component that can facilitate the continuity of treatment within the community upon inmate release. Program effectiveness is measured through the comparison of overall compliance gathered from the institutional information of each inmate at the onset and termination of program participation. Specific measures of overall compliance include number of citations, treatment compliance, and reports from work supervisors. For those inmates released from prison, a follow-up study can review infractions occurring post-release. Since interventions employed during the time of incarceration cannot generalize to other settings, any data obtained outside the institution is an additional measure of the program's effectiveness and is not required. Program development, design, and a description of services detailing all group sessions are provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)