Psychotherapy with detainees: A theoretical basis

Abstract

This article will examine various aspects relating to detention. Firstly, detention may be viewed as incorporating a systematised process of Assault, Invasion, and Deprivation (AlD). It is aimed at undermining psychological resistance and the political resolve of detainees and may be designed to induce pliability and the extraction of information. A distinction is argued to exist between the characteristic process of AID and the notion of Dependency, Debility and Dread (DDD) (Farber, Harlow & West, 1957). The latter may rather be viewed as part of the consequence of the AID process.

Secondly, the article will present a brief review of empirical findings that demonstrate the role locus of control plays in mediating detention trauma. Those internal in their perceived locus of control appear to experience reduced post-detention trauma compared to those external in their perceived orientation.

Thirdly, the incorporation of the locus of control construct into psychotherapeutic strategies will be examined. Employing locus of control in pre- and post-detention intervention is argued to improve the efficacy of treatment outcome by re-orienting the perceived internal-external dimension.