Forensic and Corrections SIG
Forensic and Corrections SIGForensic and Corrections SIG
Affiliated 2015
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Contact Information
Amie Zarling, Ph.D.
Research/University Faculty
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa, USA
SIG Mission/Objectives
The Forensic and Corrections SIG is a professional workgroup dedicated to using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as the core therapeutic approach to treating behavioral health problems in forensic and corrections settings. The mission of the group is to (a) generate knowledge of effective care, treatment, and services in the context of forensic and corrections settings and individuals’ characteristics, culture, and preferences; (b) apply knowledge to provide quality care, treatment, and services to help individuals achieve values-based outcomes in a supportive environment; (c) integrate knowledge of complementary care, treatment, and services to promote whole-person recovery, wellness, and growth; (d) translate knowledge into professional practices and ACT programs responsive to the needs of individuals; and (e) communicate knowledge through educational programs that provide understanding of ACT, develop and prepare human service providers to deliver ACT-informed care, treatment, or services in forensic and corrections settings.
General interest area to be specifically addressed by this SIG:
The International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS) estimates more than 10.2 million people worldwide are currently incarcerated as pre-trial detainees/remand prisoners, or sentenced prisoners. This staggering number is even more poignant when you consider half of the world’s prisoners are in the United States (2.24 million), China (1.64 million), and Russia (0.68 million). If the number of pre-trial/ “administrative” detainees in China and North Korea were included, world total would exceed 11 million (2013).
In spite of the staggering number of incarcerates and the escalating costs to governments worldwide, the issue of treating mental illness in forensic and correctional settings becomes a solemn focal point. When you consider the prevalence of psychiatric disorders inherent in this population (e.g., psychosis, depression, personality disorders, and substance abuse) and increased suicide rates (Fazel & Seewald, 2010), the need to address mental illness in these settings becomes a global concern for the mental health community.
The belief that “nothing works” in treating incarcerates (Martinson, 1974) has permeated many correctional and forensics staff who feel any change efforts are pointless based on a client’s deeply rooted cognitive distortions and maladaptive coping strategies shaping criminal behavior. Consequently, incarcerates with mental illness are often under-served and the stigmatization of those with mental illness has continued costs.
Evidence is mounting that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) represents an intervention that is well suited to address the wide variety of mental health needs of individuals in forensic and correctional settings (Villagrá Lanza, P. & González Menéndez, A., 2013; Villagrá Lanza, P. et al., 2014; Brillhart, 2010).
Description of SIG membership
This SIG will target the membership of individuals working in forensic settings such as jails, hospitals (and other forms of civil commitment), prisons, and community corrections. In addition, it will include public safety professionals (e.g., police officers, service members, veterans, firefighters, EMTs, correctional officers, paramedics, etc.). Those ACBS members simply interested in the areas above and want to learn more will be welcomed to join, as well.
SIG Activities
To begin with, a listserv will be created in order to carry-out the mission statement described above. The listerv will foster communication across individuals that share a common interest which will generate support and the dissemination of practices. The SIG also has a SIG Resources webpage.
Forensic and Corrections SIG Resources
Forensic and Corrections SIG ResourcesJournal of Contextual Behavioral Science Articles
Sánchez-Millán, H.A., Alicea-Cruz, A. & Pérez Pedrogo, C. (2022). Measuring psychological flexibility: The cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the AAQ for substance abuse among Spanish speaking population in correctional and community settings. JCBS, 23, 31-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.11.002
Zarling, A. & Scheffert, R. (2021). Implementation of ACT in correctional and forensic settings. JCBS, 22, 44-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.09.006
Livheim, F., Tengström, A., Andersson, G., Dahl, J., Björck, C., Rosendahl, I. (2020). A quasi-experimental, multicenter study of acceptance and commitment therapy for antisocial youth in residential care. JCBS, 16, 119-127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2020.03.008
Meta-analyses and Systematic Reviews
Han, A. (2022). Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on psychological distress and mindfulness in incarcerated populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Criminal Behaviour & Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbm.2230
Visdómine-Lozano, J. C. (2020). Contextualist Perspectives in the Treatment of Antisocial Behaviors and Offending: A Comparative Review of FAP, ACT, DBT, and MDT. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, July 2020. DOI: 10.1177/1524838020939509
Byrne, B., & Ní Ghráda, A.(2019). The application and adoption of four ‘third wave’ psychotherapies for mental health difficulties and aggression within correctional and forensic settings: A systematic review. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 46, Pages 45-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2019.01.001
Tania, M., Suryani, S., & Hernawaty, T. (2018). Penggunaan Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT) Terhadap Kecemasan Narapidana Wanita: Systematic Review. Jurnal Keperawatan BSI, Vol. VI No. 2. DOI:10.31311/JK.V6I2.3695 (Translation: Tania, M., Suryani, S., & Hernawaty, T. (2018). Use of Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT) Against Anxiety of Female Prisoners: Systematic Review. Journal of Nursing BSI, Vol. VI No. 2.)
Randomized Control Trials
Zarling, A., & Russell, D. (2022). A randomized clinical trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and the Duluth Model Classes for men court-mandated to a domestic violence program. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 90, 326-338.
Polat, H., & Asi Karakaş, S. (2021). The effect of acceptance and commitment therapy orientated anger management training on anger ruminations and impulsivity levels in forensic psychiatric patients: A randomized controlled trial. Perspectives in psychiatric care, 57(4), 1616–1627. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.12726
Valizadeh, S., Makvandi, B., Bakhtiarpour, S., & Hafezi, F. (2020). The effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on resilience and cognitive flexibility in prisoners. Journal of Health Promotion Management, 9(4), 78-89.
Zarling, A., Lawrence, E., & Marchman, J. (2015). A randomized controlled trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for aggressive behavior. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 83, 199-212. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0037946
Lanza, P., Fernández García, P., Rodríguez Lamelas, F., & González-Menéndez, A. (2014). Acceptance and commitment therapy vs. cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of substance use disorder with incarcerated women. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70, 644–657.
González-Menéndez, A., Fernández, P., Rodríguez, F., & Villagrá, P. (2014). Long-term outcomes of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in drug-dependent female inmates: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 14(1), 18-27.
Villagrá Lanza, P., & González Menéndez, A. (2013). Acceptanceand Commitment Therapy for drug abuse in incarcerated women. Psicothema, 25(3), 307-312. DOI: 10.7334/psicothema2012.292
Books
Larsson, A. & Johnson, R. "Acceptance and commitment therapy and training in forensic settings" chapter in Johnson, R. (2018) Emerging and Advanced Technologies in Diverse Forensic Sciences, Routledge, London.
Brillhart, D. "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" chapter in Davies, J. & Nagi, C. (2017). Individual Psychological Therapies in Forensic Settings: Research and Practice. Routledge.
Gallo, F. (2017). Bouncing Back from Trauma: The Essential Step-by-Step Guide for Police Readiness. CreateSpace.
Amrod, J. & Hayes (2013). ACT for the Incarcerated. In R.C. Tafrate & D. Mitchell (Eds.), Forensic CBT: A handbook for clinical practice. (pp.43-65). Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
Publications
Sánchez-Millán, H.A., Alicea-Cruz, A. & Pérez Pedrogo, C. (2022). Measuring psychological flexibility: The cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the AAQ for substance abuse among Spanish speaking population in correctional and community settings. JCBS, 23, 31-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.11.002
Mojallal, M., Simons, R. M., Quevillon, R. P., & Hatwan, M. L. (2022). Associations of experiential avoidance with burnout, wellbeing, and productivity loss among police officers: The mediating role of negative and positive affect. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 78, 2260– 2280. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23371
Zarling, A. & Scheffert, R. (2021). Implementation of ACT in correctional and forensic settings. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 22, 44-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.09.006
Lawrence, E., Mazurek, C., & Reardon, K. W. (2021). Comparing recidivism rates among domestically violent men enrolled in ACTV versus Duluth/CBT. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 89(5), 469–475. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000649
Zarling, A., Bannon, S., Berta, M., & Russell, D. (2020). Acceptance and commitment therapy for individuals convicted of domestic violence: 5-year follow-up and time to reoffense. Psychology of Violence, 10(6), 667–675. https://doi.org/10.1037/vio0000292
Kaplan, J., Bergman, A.L., Green, K., Dapolonia, E., Christopher, M. (2020) Relative Impact of Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Psychological Flexibility on Alcohol Use and Burnout among Law Enforcement Officers. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Livheim, F., Tengström, A., Andersson, G., Dahl, J., Björck, C., Rosendahl, I. (2020). A quasi-experimental, multicenter study of acceptance and commitment therapy for antisocial youth in residential care. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 16, 119–127.
Berta M., Zarling A. (2019) A Preliminary Examination of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-Based Program for Incarcerated Domestic Violence Offenders. Violence Vict. 34(2):213-228. doi: 10.1891/0886-6708.VV-D-17-00106.
Riley B.J., Smith D., Baigent M.F. (2019) Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Group Therapy: An Uncontrolled Pragmatic Pre-Post Pilot Study in a Heterogeneous Population of Female Prisoners. Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol. 63(15-16):2572-2585. doi: 10.1177/0306624X19858487.
Zarling, A., Bannon, S., & Berta, M. (2019). Evaluation of acceptance and commitment therapy for domestic violence offenders. Psychology of violence, 9, 257-266. https://doi.org/10.1037/vio0000097
Davies, B.E., Morgan, S., John-Evans, H., & Deere, E. (2019) ‘Monsters don’t bother me anymore’ forensic mental health service users’ experiences of acceptance and commitment therapy for psychosis. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 30:4,594-613. DOI: 10.1080/14789949.2019.1614650
Zarling, A., & Berta, M. (2017). An acceptance and commitment therapy approach for partner aggression. Partner Abuse, 8, 89-109.
Zarling, A., Bannon, S., & Berta, M. (2017). Evaluation of acceptance and commitment therapy for domestic violence offenders. Psychology of violence. https://doi.org/10.1037/vio0000097.
Joseph, M.C. (2017). PENERAPAN TERAPI PENERIMAAN DAN KOMITMEN UNTUK MENGURANGI KECEMASAN PADA NARAPIDANA MENJELANG PEMBEBASAN BERSYARAT DI LAPAS X. Jurnal Muara Ilmu Sosial, Humaniora, dan Seni, 1(2). http://dx.doi.org/10.24912/jmishumsen.v1i2.965 The Article is in Indonesian.
Eisenbeck, N., Scheitz, K., & Szekeres, B. (2016). A brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based intervention among violence-prone male inmates delivered by novice therapists. Psychology, Society & Education, 8(3). 187-199.
Orengo-Aguayo, Rosaura E.. "Implementation of an acceptance and commitment therapy skills group with incarcerated domestic violence offenders: a feasibility pilot study." PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) thesis, University of Iowa, 2016. https://doi.org/10.17077/etd.g0o7afr7
Forensic CBT: A Handbook for Clinical Practice (2014). Chapter 2 is titled "ACT for the Incarcerated" by Jai Amrod and Steven C. Hayes
Villagrá Lanza P, González Menéndez A. (2013) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for drug abuse in incarcerated women. Psicothema., 25(3):307-12. doi: 10.7334/psicothema2012.292.
Sahagún Flores, L.M. & Salgado Pascual, C.F. (2013). Aplicación de la Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso (ACT) con hombres que cumplen condena por maltrato. Un estudio piloto [Application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with men serving sentences for abuse. A pilot study]. International Journal of Psychology and Psychological Therapy, 13(3), 289-305.
Grasmick, M. (2013) "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Forensic Inpatients." Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Dissertation. https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/92
Williams, V., Ciarrochi, J. and Patrick Deane, F. (2010) ‘On being mindful, emotionally aware, and more resilient: Longitudinal pilot study of police recruits’. Australian Psychologist, 45: 4, 274 — 282
Vahey, N. A., Barnes-Holmes, D., Barnes-Holmes, Y., & Stewart, I. (2009). A first test of the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) as a measure of self-esteem: Irish prisoner groups and university students. The Psychological Record, 59, 371-388.
Dawson, D. L., Barnes-Holmes, D., Gresswell, D. M., Hart, A. J. P., & Gore, N. J. (2009). Assessing the implicit beliefs of sexual offenders using the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure: A First Study. Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, 21(1), 57-75.
Webinars (Video)
ACT and Casework - Physiological flexibility in the field of Corrections (2021)
Workshops
ACBS World Conference 12: ACT Behind Bars - Workshop by David Brillhart, June 2014 - Audio Recording and Powerpoint Slides
ACBS World Conference 11: ACT Behind Bars - Workshop by David Brillhart, July 2013 - Audio Recording and Powerpoint Slides
Posters
ACBS World Conference 19: Trauma Informed Treatment Within a Jail Setting: Potential Barriers and Advantages to Implementation. Poster presented at ACBS World Conference (2021)
ACBS World Conference 14: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in a Maximum Security Prison: Mental Health Programming in a Correctional Setting. Poster presented at ACBS World Conference (2016).
Resources for Clinicians
ACT for Special Populations > ACT for Law Enforcement
Treatment Protocols and Manuals > ACT for Rehabilitation Counseling of Juvenile and Adult Offenders