Changes in attitudes to personality disorder on a DSPD unit

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychology
• Correctional Healthcare
• Mental Health Services Research

Background:

• Healthcare professionals often exhibit negative attitudes towards individuals with personality disorder.
• Previous research indicates that sufferer behaviors, organizational factors, and professional characteristics influence these attitudes.
• This study explores attitude influences within a non-healthcare setting: Her Majesty's Prison service.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors influencing prison staff attitudes and beliefs regarding inmates with personality disorder.
• To understand the impact of daily work experiences on staff perceptions within a specialized correctional unit.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with prison officers.
• Participants worked in a pilot "Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder" Unit in a UK prison.
• Open-ended questions focused on changes in attitudes and beliefs about personality-disordered inmates.

Main Results:

• Positive influences included increased understanding of personality disorder, improved inmate behavior, education, and staff support programs.
• Staff also reported positive impacts from role clarity, purpose, and having their views acknowledged.
• Negative influences comprised treatment program delays, challenging inmate behaviors, role-related fears, and negative media portrayal.

Conclusions:

• Maintaining positive staff attitudes requires consistent direction and timely developments.
• A clear unit philosophy, effective treatment regime, and investment in staff training are essential.
• Effective clinical supervision programs for frontline staff are vital for sustained positive engagement.