Efficacy of Cognitive Behavior Therapy with Deliberate Self-harm in Incarcerated Women

A one group intervention-based study was conducted in women jail, Karachi, Pakistan. The aim was to determine whether cognitive behavior therapy, administered in prison setting, was effective in reducing the frequency of deliberate self-harm in female prisoners. 40 female inmates were interviewed; nine inmates with a history of deliberate self-harm were screened out for 12 sessions of cognitive behavior therapy. Deliberate Self-harm Inventory (Gratz, 2001) and Brief COPE (Carver, 1997) were administered to explore deliberate self-harm behaviors and coping strategies of women prisoners. The number of deliberate self-harm episodes before and after therapy was the main outcome measure. An approximate 29% incarcerated women reported deliberate selfharm. Relief from anger and tension, and feelings of hopelessness, and helplessness were the main motives. Cutting and burning were the most common types of deliberate self-harm behaviors reported. The frequency of self-harm episodes was minimal during and after therapy. Findings and implications have been discussed.