What makes offenders with an intellectual disability ready to engage with psychological therapy? A qualitative study

Although there are established links between measures of readiness for psychological therapy in offenders and subsequent reduction in recidivism rates there has been a lack of theoretical research considering this process within the intellectual disability (ID) offender population. Grounded theory methodology was used to explore the process by which offenders with ID are seen and see themselves as ready to engage with psychological therapy. Twelve participants; offenders with ID, clinical psychologists and nurses across two secure inpatient services participated in the study. The resulting model highlighted a temporal process with interlinking elements including ‘stability/predictability’, ‘development of relationships with staff’, ‘reassurance about progress’ and ‘realising that change is needed’. The model represented participant's shared perceptions and signified the journey of offenders with ID to perceived readiness. The current model is discussed and clinical implications and future research directions suggested.

► We use qualitative methods.
► We explore views of offenders, nurses and clinical psychologists.
► We develop a model of readiness using the perspectives of all participants.
► We identify clinical implications and areas of future research.