Die Behandlung von Persönlichkeitsstörungen in psychotherapeutischen Gruppen

Referral for group or individual treatment? Factors for consideration in the case of self-referred individuals with a sexual interest in minors

In Germany, several treatment programs offer psychotherapy for individuals with a sexual interest in minors (SIM) who are currently not in contact with the criminal justice system. The patients present anonymously in relation to the health insurance and judicial system. Group therapy plays an important role in these programs. However, to date there is poor empirical evidence on indication criteria for group vs. individual treatment for this specific group of individuals. This study examined individuals with SIM who voluntarily participated in a treatment program in Hamburg. We investigated via post-hoc analysis whether there were significant differences regarding readiness to participate in group therapy, dynamic risk factors, psychopathic characteristics, impulsivity and empathy between individuals indicated for group therapy (n = 26) and individuals referred for individual therapy (n = 47). Results show that individuals referred for individual therapy were significantly more impulsive than individuals referred for group therapy, but comparable in respect to readiness to participate in group therapy, dynamic risk, psychopathy, and empathy. These findings suggest that assignment to group vs. individual therapy is mainly based on other criteria than these characteristics. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

Integrating psychotherapy research with public health and public policy goals for incarcerated women and other vulnerable populations

OBJECTIVE AND METHOD

In this article, I review my research applying interpersonal treatments and interpersonal principles from psychotherapy for major depression and substance use to broader public health goals for incarcerated women and other vulnerable populations.

RESULTS

A public health focus has led me to expand the boundaries of psychotherapy research to include partners such as prisons, parole officers, and bachelor's level providers; behaviors like risky sex; service delivery challenges; and ultimately to research with an eye toward informing policy and advocacy.

CONCLUSIONS

A public health perspective provides context and rationale for conducting sound psychotherapy research; the combination of public health and psychotherapy-specific perspectives can lead to novel research.