Analyzing the Effectiveness of Treatment Models, with a Focus on Social and Emotional Competency, on the Criminally Insane Forensic Population Within a Forensic Therapeutic Center

ABSTRACT: The present study aims to fill in gaps in research on mentally ill offenders (MIOs) by analyzing the effectiveness of psychological treatment offered in forensic populations. Research has shown that approximately 95% of schizophrenic patients still do not receive appropriate amounts of evidence-based services, which may explain the gap in rates of recovery related to this disorder. We aim to compare the social and emotional competency of patients from Pro Mente Plus before and after receiving treatment. We hypothesize that post treatment scores should show an improvement in emotional and social competencies and results indicate small to medium effect sizes in favor of our expected results. Findings show a positive change in social skills and illness awareness, suggesting the potential of forensic therapeutic centers in facilitating better outcomes for this demographic. Alongside cognitive remediation programs, social skills programs are more likely to succeed, especially when part of integrative therapeutic programs that incorporate both pharmacological and psychosocial elements. KEYWORDS: schizophrenia, mentally ill offenders, psychological treatment, forensic psychology, recidivism, psychoeducation, social skills, emotional skills