Psychology Commons^™

Gestalt Group Psychotherapy With Incarcerated Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Study, Leslie Ann V. Dobson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

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 …