Forensic Schema Therapy: Theoretical Foundations

Abstract

The article discusses the theoretical model of schema therapy and provides an overview of research on its adaptation for individuals with convictions and those who have committed criminal acts under the influence of a mental illness. The main focus of this article is on research into the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of approaches. Based on the findings of foreign studies, forensic schema therapy has been shown to be effective. Current research directions are proposed, and the possibilities and limitations of the approach are discussed when applied to a sample of Russian-speaking convicts and psychiatric patients. The analysis suggests that forensic schema therapy may be a promising adaptation of the classic theoretical model of schema therapy for individuals who have committed criminal acts under the influence of a mental illness and have been involuntarily hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital. Based on a meta-analysis of the available data, forensic schema therapy has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of criminal recidivism in these populations. The presented review of research in the field of forensic schema therapy in Russian is published for the first time.