Gestalt Group Psychotherapy With Incarcerated Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Study

In the U.S., the number of inmates diagnosed with schizophrenia is approximately four times greater than that found in the general population. Alarmingly, these inmates rarely receive the mental health treatment they need. Previous studies have suggested that Gestalt therapy can have beneficial affects for inmates. However, further research examining treatment models for inmates diagnosed with schizophrenia is needed. This current study examined qualitative data from a proposed Gestalt group therapy treatment model for incarcerated schizophrenia. Results from modified analytic induction demonstrated increased levels of participation, autonomy, interpersonal skills, information seeking and a reduction in psychotic symptoms. This study also provided novel insight regarding treatment methods, phases of treatment, and therapist characteristics as the humanity of the schizophrenic experience emerged.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year

2012

Author dc:creator

• Dobson, Leslie Ann V.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Burley, Todd D.
• Haerich, Paul E.

• Clinical Psychology
• Psychotherapy; Schizophrenia - Therapy; Schizophrenia; Personality Disorders - Psychology; Group Psychotherapy; Psychotherapy, Group - Methods
• Gestalt Group Psychotherapy
• Schizophrenia
• Incarcerated Individuals - Therapy
• Group Therapy

Statement dc:rights

• This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/78

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsrepository.llu.edu:etd-1077