Endersby, Luke; (2002) Self-injurious behaviour in male prisoners: The role of personality disorder and dysfunctional beliefs. Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Self-injury amongst men constitutes a significant problem in the prison system. While a significant body of research has investigated this problem, there remains a need for a fuller understanding of clinically-relevant variables that are associated with such behaviour. This study considers the possible association of personality disorder and dysfunctional beliefs with self-injury, and specifically addresses the importance of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). 73 prisoners (40 identified as self injurers and 33 control participants) from a local prison were interviewed. Presence of BPD and ASPD were assessed using a psychiatric interview (SCID-II). The dysfunctional beliefs commonly associated with these and other DSM-IV personality disorders were assessed using the Personality Belief Questionnaire (PBQ). Overall analyses indicated that two thirds of the entire sample met full criteria for diagnosis of ASPD, and almost a third received a diagnosis of BPD. The two disorders were found to be highly comorbid. A comparison of those identified as self-injurers and those used as control participants indicated that those who had self injured were more likely to have BPD. Regarding dysfunctional personality beliefs, initial analyses suggested that the PBQ measure had good psychometric properties, and avoidant and borderline beliefs were more strongly endorsed by those who had self injured than control participants. The results are discussed in light of previous research findings. The implications of the study for the future treatment and management of those with personality disorders in the prison system are further considered.

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