Citation

Carr-Walker P, Bowers L, Callaghan P, Nijman H, Paton J. Leg. Crim. Psychol. 2004; 9(2): 265-277.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, British Psychological Society, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1348/1355325041719347

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objectives. This study investigates the effects of working with dangerous and severely personality disordered (DSPD) prisoners and patients on the attitudes, perceptions and beliefs of staff, which may be important therapeutic variables in the management and treatment of prisoners and patients.Method. The attitudes of prison officers working in a DSPD prison unit and psychiatric nurses working in high-security psychiatric hospitals were compared using the Attitude to Personality Disorder Questionnaire (APDQ) and the Staff Attitude to Personality Disorder Interview (SAPDI).Results. Prison officers and nurses differed in their attitudes. Prison officers' attitudes were more positive than those of psychiatric nurses in all aspects of the APDQ. Prison officers indicated that they felt more liking for and interest in contact with personality disordered prisoners, less fear and helplessness, less anger, were more optimistic regarding treatment, and less frustrated. The SAPDI revealed that nurses expressed more concern about caring for and managing personality disordered patients, and felt more vulnerable and less accepting towards them. Prison officers conveyed more confidence in their own abilities and felt less vulnerable.Conclusion. Differences found in attitudes towards personality disordered prisoners/patients are discussed in terms of personal, environmental and experiential influences, and implications for DSPD services. Attitudes towards personality disordered prisoners/patients between nurses and officers differed. They are likely to be influenced by a combination of experience with personality disorder, organisational culture and personal characteristics.

Language: en