Personality factors and personality disorders are one of six criminogenic factors that yield to change in risk behavior by clients. As dynamic risk factors, criminogenic needs may be understood as contributing towards criminal behavior (e.g. domestic violence), and if effectively addressed, should decrease level of risk. (Andrews, 1989, Andrews and Bonta, 1994; Bonta, 2002).
5 Key Reasons to know about personality disorders with Domestic Violence offenders
- Personality disorders are an important criminogenic factor in treatment with domestic violence offenders. Personality factors “are strongly correlated with risk.” (Latessa, & Lowenkamp)
- When you acquire a knowledge base of the various personality disorders, you gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of your client and their possible manifestation in a domestic violence relationship.
- Offenders are good at hiding their attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs outside their relationships. An assessment of personality disorders gives the treatment provider a deeper understanding of areas of resistance and the best treatment approach to use with the client.
- When you develop a comprehensive case plan, targeting personality disorders is one of six criminogenic factors to consider for successful treatment and remediation of domestic violence.
- While some personality disorders are deeply entrenched in a client’s psyche, other clients may only exhibit features or traits of a personality disorder. These features and traits are more amenable to treatment changes.
In the upcoming course Criminogenic Needs: Personality Disorders, you will learn that Personality Disorders are more commonly found among domestic violence offenders than Axis I disorders. You will focus on identification of personality disorders in assessment, development of personality disorders, research on criminal interventions with personality disordered offenders, and effective application of these interventions.
Your next “Criminogenic Needs: Personality Disorders” course is scheduled for May 17, 19, 24, 26, 2011 — 5:00 P.M. Eastern; 3:00 P.M. Mountain. Go here to register now.
Serving your training needs virtually.
Dr. Debra
P.S. The more you know and have the skills to address personality disorders with domestic violence offenders, the more you protect victims and children.
P.P.S. Remember to register by midnight May 10, 2011 to attend “Criminogenic Needs: Personality Disorders”.