Adaptation of STEPPS Program for Addressing Emotional Dysregulation and Self-harming Behaviors in Penitentiary Centers

STEPPS is based on a cognitive-behavioral and skills training approach divided into three major components. The first component (sessions: 1-2) teaches participants to replace misconceptions about the presented issues with greater awareness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that characterize them. It also helps them identify their own thought patterns driving their behaviors. The second (sessions 3-12) teaches skills to more effectively manage the cognitive and emotional effects of the issues, such as distancing, communication, challenging, distraction, and problem-solving. The third component (sessions 13-19) teaches behavioral skills where participants are encouraged to master habits of healthy eating, sleep hygiene, regular exercise, leisure activities, health monitoring, self-harm prevention, and interpersonal effectiveness. The therapeutic objectives of the three blocks are awareness of illness (1), emotional regulation (2), and behavioral regulation (3).