Adapt-Life on remand: A pilot randomized trial with individuals in pretrial detention

Abstract

Remand prisoners (RP) are in a precarious situation marked by uncertainty and vulnerability, facing significant challenges from the moment they are admitted. Despite numerous efforts to provide treatment in correctional settings, most interventions have been designed primarily for sentenced prisoners. The ADAPT program, however, is a structured intervention specifically tailored for RP. It aims to enhance emotion and behavior regulation, address cognitive distortions, improve problem-solving skills, and offer strategies for suicide prevention. The primary objective of this pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of the ADAPT in improving emotional literacy and emotional regulation, while reducing cognitive distortions and suicide risk. Our findings indicated that, at the Posttreatment phase, there were statistically significant improvements across all measured outcomes in the treatment group compared to the control group. Specifically, participants in the ADAPT exhibited lower levels of anxiety, somatization, and depression. Additionally, there was a notable decrease in suicide concerns, negative affect, and difficulties in emotional regulation. Conversely, there was an increase in positive affect among those who underwent the program. These results provide preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of the ADAPT as a valuable intervention for RP, a population often overlooked in treatment efforts.