5 - (OP19) Past the Detention: Integrating DBT and Social Support in High-risk Urban Environments

Youth recidivism represents a substantial clinical and mental health concern of contemporary society, particularly in reference to minors involved in justice systems, shaped by traumatic pasts, emotional neglect and dysfunctional family systems. In volatile urban environments, such as the metropolitan area of Naples, these vulnerabilities are exacerbated by social marginalization and proximity to criminal networks, which contribute to increased rates of reoffending and emotional dysregulation.

This paper outlines a clinical intervention model based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) tailored for adolescents. The model operates on the premise that violent and antisocial behaviors are essentially dysfunctional attempts to manage overwhelming emotions. By targeting trans-diagnostic processes—such as impulsivity, identity diffusion, and affective instability—the intervention seeks to address the underlying causes of deviance rather than just its outward symptoms.

The core of this work stems from a project conducted at the Nisida Juvenile Detention Center, where DBT was applied to a highly clinically complex prison context. The program integrated the four standard DBT pillars (distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness) with consistent individual psychological support. Crucially, the intervention relied on a seamless collaboration with the facility's educational and institutional staff, moving beyond isolated clinical practice.

Great importance was given to social reintegration: for recidivism to be reduced, a support network extending beyond detention is needed, through social welfare services, employment and job placement programs, but also close cooperation between employment agencies, justice ecourts, organizations and community services. Structured programs of social and occupational reintegration are associated with positive post-release outcomes, while purely punitive approaches shows negative outcomes.

Preliminary results of the project indicate a significant decline in impulsivity and aggressive behaviors, but also increased ability to recognize and manage thoughts and emotions, improved relational skills and willingness to future planning.

These findings therefore support the clinical utility of DBT within the rehabilitation framework, with a view to both psychological and socio-occupational reintegration, through approaches that connect young people and institutional settings, promoting more equitable, sustainable and socio-culturally appropriate mental health interventions.