Self-disclosure and aggression among penitentiary and psychiatric inpatients : a mixed-methods design

Previous research suggests self-disclosure is an essential ability when reducing aggression as it is a key element in effective therapy. Self-disclosure possibly addresses internalised tensions and conflicts, such as deficit self-control and emotion regulation, and a lack of communication. In that instance, the inability to self-disclose would be a predictive factor of aggression. Hence, the aim of this study was to measure to what extent self-disclosure predicts aggression among penitentiary and psychiatric inpatients while controlling for demographics, offense, language, and psychopathology. Aggression and self-disclosure of ninety patients, who were submitted to the penitentiary psychiatric centre ‘CTP Veldzicht’, were measured. Due to forensic differentiation and cultural diversity, the unique inpatient sample required a deeper understanding of the explored phenomena. Therefore, quantitative data was gathered and provided insight into the statistical relation, while qualitative data assessed individual experiences of experts within the field. A single-item scale was used to measure self-disclosure which was completed by sociotherapists who communicate with the patients on a daily basis. Aggression was measured with SOAS-R. These scores, as well as the data of the control variables, were included in a pre-existing database that was used for this study. In addition, four sociotherapists and four psychologists were interviewed using a semi-structured method. The hierarchical regression analysis showed non-significant models, however, the correlation between self-disclosure and aggression was found to be significant. Moreover, the interviewees pointed to the complexity of the relationship as it is influenced by factors such as culture and language, psychopathology, intelligence, upbringing, motivation, and the therapeutic relationship. Taken the two methods together, it is concluded that there is a complex relationship between self-disclosure and aggression. Reducing aggression among penitentiary and psychiatric inpatients by focussing on self-disclosure could be valuable. Nevertheless, one should consider the factors influencing these two concepts. Keep in mind, each patient is unique!