Developing a self‐report measure to assess disclosure strategies in adult male prisoners and its association with personality

Abstract

Purpose

The current study aims to report on the development of a self‐report measure of disclosure strategies in adult male prisoners (violent and acquisitive offences) and its association with personality and self‐esteem.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed an adapted version of the Delphi technique to develop initial items for inclusion in the new disclosure measure (Disclosure Management Questionnaire: DMQ). This element of the study utilised an “expert sample” of forensic psychologists. A total of 94 prisoners then completed the developed measure. Factor analysis was utilised to explore the structure of the measure, which subsequently allowed associations between disclosure strategies, personality and self‐esteem to be identified.

Findings

Analysis revealed a measure of disclosure (the DMQ) comprising four subscales: Exploratory Engagement, Placatory/Evasive Engagement, Passive Resistance and Active Resistance. Significant correlations were identified between the personality trait Neuroticism and higher levels of Placatory/Evasive Engagement and Active Resistance of forensic clients during the disclosure process. Self‐esteem was also found to correlate with disclosure, in that high trait self‐esteem was found to be associated with higher exploratory engagement, whereas low trait self‐esteem was associated with higher levels of active resistance of the disclosure process.

Originality/value

Developing an understanding of the nature and function of disclosure and how these relate to individual factors such as personality (including trait self‐esteem) provides valuable knowledge and alternative ways of supporting forensic clients in discussing difficult issues related to their offending.

Citation

Ferguson, K., Ireland, C.A. and Ireland, J.L. (2013), "Developing a self‐report measure to assess disclosure strategies in adult male prisoners and its association with personality", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 97-108. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636641311322287