A literature review of psychological interventions with violent offenders with intellectual difficulties

Abstract

There is a clear gap in provision for violent offender with intellectual difficulties to actively address their offending behaviour as most are screened out of existing offending behaviour programmes. This is particularly important for life-sentenced prisoners who must show a reduction in risk of re-offending to secure release. There is growing evidence for the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) methods to treat anger and aggressive behaviour in individuals with intellectual deficits. Research has shown reduced rates of re-conviction among individuals with intellectual difficulties with violent offending histories (Taylor, 2002). It is the responsibility of the prison service to provide equal opportunity to offenders to reduce their risk of re-offending. The literature reviewed showed empirical support to implement adapted CBT methods with violent offenders with intellectual deficits.