SELF-ESTEEM AND MENTAL HEALTH IN A FORENSIC LEARNING DISABILITIES SETTING

The research project examined the relationship between mental health and selfesteem in a forensic learning disabilities setting in the UK. Rosenberg Self- Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) was used as a measure of self-esteem. Global Severity Index (GSI) obtained from the Brief Symptom Inventory (Derogatis, 1975) was used as a measure of mental health. Correlation coefficient was computed for both scales in a forensic learning disabilities sample to measure the extent of relationship between self-esteem and mental health. RSES scores in forensic sample were compared with scores in the community group to assess if there was a greater need for self-esteem intervention in the forensic group. A correlation was also computed for GSI and RSES scores of the clients∗ in the community. The results confirmed the expectation that self-esteem and mental health would be related. The prediction that self-esteem needs of forensic patients would be greater than those in the community was not confirmed. Implications of these findings are discussed in the context of service development.