Dr Dianna Bartsch1,3, Ms Kimberley Gilson1, Ms Sophie Ransom2
1Borderline Personality Disorder Collaborative, Unley, Australia, 2Department for Correctional Services, Adelaide, Australia, 3School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
Biography:
Kimberley is a forensic psychologist who joined BPD Collaborative in 2020, where her role focuses on developing and implementing therapeutic and training initiatives for forensic populations, providing individual and group therapy for forensic consumers with complex BPD, and engaging in research. Previously, she worked for the South Australian Department for Correctional Services for 11 years facilitating criminogenic and therapeutic programs in prisons and community settings and working with prisoners at risk of suicide. She has training in DBT and MBT and a keen interest in promoting better access to evidence-based treatment for people involved in the justice system.
Abstract:
Objective: To outline self-reported borderline personality symptoms amongst people with a moderate- to high-risk of reoffending in South Australia.
Method: A cross-sectional retrospective audit was conducted between February 2021 and August 2023. Records were audited of 576 offenders who had completed an adapted version of the McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder as part of a criminogenic program assessment package. Respondents who endorsed seven or more items were categorised into a ‘high borderline symptom’ group and compared across key demographics.
Results: The predominantly male sample (n = 546) demonstrated a high percentage of ‘high borderline symptoms’. There were high rates of borderline symptoms amongst people with violent offence histories.
Conclusion: There is limited research into borderline personality symptoms within Australian prisoner populations. Our findings require validation using semi structured interviews and dimensional personality assessments. Research outcomes have potential implications for engagement in criminogenic and rehabilitation programs, staff training, and opportunities for reducing recidivism.