The core conflictual relationship theme (CCRT) method: testing with adult offenders who have intellectual and developmental disabilities
Purpose ‐ The aim of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of using the core conflictual relationship theme (CCRT) method, used to assess relationship patterns and interpersonal schemas, within a small group of men who had intellectual and developmental
disabilities (IDD). The relationship anecdote paradigm interview, with minor adaptation, was used to collect material from participants necessary to generate a CCRT. CCRTs formulated in the study are described and consideration is given to the potential clinical application of CCRT method
in this patient group. Design/methodology/approach ‐ A small sample of four men with IDD was taken from a medium-low secure forensic service. Initial interviews, necessary to elicit narrative anecdotes for CCRT formulation, were conducted at the start of a psychotherapeutic
treatment study. Trained judges completed a CCRT formulation for each participant. Findings ‐ Participants in the study were able to provide personal information necessary to formulate a CCRT. Unexpected common themes were shared in participants who had committed
contact sexual offences, this differed from a participant with autistic spectrum disorder who had committed a non-contact sexual offence. The CCRT method can be feasibly used in a mild IDD population. The CCRT method is clinically relevant and provides an opportunity for the exploration of
clinical micro-theories related to interpersonal schemas found in offenders who have IDD. Originality/value ‐ This is the first study, to our knowledge, reporting results of the CCRT method with adults who have mild intellectual disabilities.
Keywords: CCRT; Core conflictual relationship theme; Developmental disabilities; Intellectual disabilities; Interpersonal schema; Sex-offenders
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 06 September 2013
- Access Key
- Free content
- Partial Free content
- New content
- Open access content
- Partial Open access content
- Subscribed content
- Partial Subscribed content
- Free trial content