What influences social outcomes among offenders with personality disorder: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Personality disorder is highly prevalent in offender populations and is associated with poor health, criminal justice, and social outcomes. Research has been conducted into factors that influence offending and health, but, in order to improve (re)habilitation, service providers must also be able to identify the variables associated with social outcomes and the mechanisms by which they operate.

AIM: To establish what is known about what influences social outcomes among offenders with personality disorder.

METHOD: A systematic review was completed using Cochrane methods, expanded to include nonrandomised trials. Anticipated high heterogeneity informed a narrative synthesis.

RESULTS: Three studies met inclusion criteria. Two were qualitative studies including only 13 cases between them. All studies were low quality.

CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to determine what influences good social outcomes among offenders with personality disorder. Research is required to identify associated variables, to inform the development of effective interventions.