5.2: Forensic Psychology

Question 1

• Role of Theory in Forensic Psychology:

Answer 1

• theory and research are cornerstone to psychology
• theories of crime span across disciplines- economics, geography, sociology, psychiatry.
• criminology theory is resource for forensic and criminal psychology
• theory provide perspective on crime and criminality- explainations from broad societal structures to individual psych.

Question 2

levels of analysis in crime theories

Answer 2

1. **societal or macro-level theories **- crime viewed as social structure rather then individual factors. ie Marxsist Conflict Theory- criminal justice system maintains dominance of privileged classes.
2. comunity or locality theories- crime distribution is influenced by georgraphy. Certain areas (ie. economic deprivation) more crime. near their home but not too close avoid detect.
3. goup socialisation &Influence theory- focus on direct social influences, such as family and peer groups, on criminal behaviour.

4.** individual approaches-** emphasise biology and psych differences as root cause.

o Challenges:
 Distinguishing individual characteristics from social influences is complex.
 Traditional psychometric measures have shown limited success in linking personality traits to criminality.

Question 3

Individual Approaches to Crime

1. Personality Traits and Criminality:

Answer 3

o Psychopathy and Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) are exceptions, showing stronger associations with criminality.

o Studies on specific offender groups (e.g., paedophiles) often face criticism for using arrested/incarcerated populations, which may not represent all offenders.

Question 4

Individual Approaches to Crime

2. Biological vs. Social Explanations:

Answer 4

o Psychological theories reflect a spectrum from biological (e.g., genetic predispositions) to social influences (e.g., societal norms).

o Theories like Eysenck’s integrate multiple psychological domains, offering a more comprehensive view.

Question 5

Neuropsychology of Offending

Answer 5

neuropsychological research has explored physiological, anatomical, and genetic abnormalities in criminal subgroups.

• Neuropsychology: The study of brain structure and activity in relation to psychological processes and behaviours, including criminal behaviour.

Question 6

Research Methods in Neuropsychology

Answer 6

• Historical Methods: Studied brain lesions to link specific brain damage to cognitive and behavioural difficulties.
• Modern Techniques:

o CT (Computerised Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), PET (Positron Emission Tomography), and Diffusion Tensor Imaging are used to study brain structure and connectivity.

Question 7

Neuropsychological Finding & Crime

wolf et al (2015)

Answer 7

studies psychopathology using diffuse tensor imaging

o Found reduced fractional anisotropy (distortion) in the right uncinated fasciculus (connects frontal and temporal lobes).

o Association linked more to psychopathy traits like superficial charm and manipulative behaviour, not directly to antisocial behaviour.

Question 8

Neuropsychological Finding & Crime

Schiffer et al (2007)

Answer 8

o Paedophiles had less grey matter volume in certain brain areas compared to control groups (heterosexual and homosexual men).

o Raises questions about the causal role of brain abnormalities in criminal behaviour

Question 9

Neuropsychology Crime

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Answer 9

o Types:
 Penetrative injuries: Skull penetration causing direct brain damage.

 Closed head injuries: Force-induced damage from accidents or impacts.

o Vulnerable Brain Areas: Frontal, temporal, and occipital lobes.

o Cognitive and Personality Effects:
 Impaired memory, attention, and
planning.

 Changes in personality (e.g., apathy, irritability, disinhibition, grandiose thoughts).

o Link to Crime:
 Higher prevalence of TBI in offenders (50% in custody vs. 24% in general population in some studies).
 TBI affects the social brain network (amygdala, prefrontal cortex, etc.), impairing self-regulation and emotion recognition.

3. Social Brain Network: Brain regions (e.g., amygdala, prefrontal cortex) involved in social behaviours, often affected by TBI

Question 10

Methodological Issues- Neurospcyh and Crime

Answer 10

o Causality Dilemma: Does violence cause brain injury, or does brain injury predispose individuals to violence?

o Sample Bias: Studies often use non-representative samples (e.g., death row inmates, individuals in rehabilitation).

o Socioeconomic Factors: Offenders are often from working-class backgrounds, which are also associated with higher TBI rates.

Question 11

+ve/-ve Neuropsych&Crime

Answer 11

Pros:
* May lead to targeted medical treatments for criminal behaviour (e.g., post-accident interventions).

• Provides evidence that biological factors have some influence on criminality, though limited to specific cases.

Cons:
* Neuropsychological explanations are far from complete and fail to address mechanisms behind brain anomalies and crime.

• Practical application is limited, as forensic psychology focuses on immediate treatments and assessments

Question 12

Intelligence and Crime

Historical Perspective

Answer 12

• Early criminological theories often linked low intelligence to criminality, describing offenders as “feeble-minded.”
• Assumptions:
  o Low intelligence leads to poor decision-making, increased risk-taking, and inability to secure employment or avoid detection.
• Despite initial appeal, the relationship between intelligence and crime is weakly supported by evidence.

Question 13

intelligence and Crime

Key Findings

Answer 13

1. Cullen et al. (1997):
   o Found a weak/modest correlation (0.1–0.2) between low IQ and criminality.
   o Environmental factors are stronger predictors of crime.
   o Example: Low IQ correlates with school failure or unemployment than with criminal acts themselves.
2. High IQ and Crime:
   o Oleson and Chappell (2013): Found genius-level IQ individuals self-reported more violent crimes (e.g., homicide, bomb-making) but had lower conviction rates compared to average IQ groups.
3. Verbal Intelligence and Arrests:
   o Yun and Lee (2013): Found a strong negative correlation between verbal intelligence and arrest rates.
   o High verbal intelligence offenders were less likely to be arrested, even controlling for delinquency levels

Question 14

overall conclusions neuropsych and crime

Answer 14

• Neuropsychology offers insights into the brain’s role in criminal behaviour, particularly through TBI research, but is limited by methodological issues and practical applicability.
• Intelligence theories reveal that while low IQ may weakly correlate with crime, environmental and social factors are much stronger predictors.
• Both fields highlight the complexity of criminal behaviour, requiring multi-faceted approaches to understanding and intervention.

Question 15

Psychoanalysis and Crime:

parricide and insest, oepidal conflicts, criminality from guilt.

Answer 15

• Psychoanalysis: A psychological theory and therapeutic approach founded by Sigmund Freud, focusing on unconscious motivations, childhood experiences, and internal conflicts.
• Key Freudian ideas about crime include:
  o Parricide and Incest: Crimes linked to unresolved Oedipal conflicts.
  o Criminality from a Sense of Guilt:
   Freud proposed that some crimes result from oppressive feelings of guilt.
   Committing “forbidden actions” like theft, fraud, or arson provides relief from these guilt feelings.
   Example: Respectable individuals engaging in crimes for relief, not gain.

Question 16

extension of Freudian Theory

3. John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory:

Answer 16

o A neo-psychoanalytic extension, focusing on early child-parent relationships.

o Bowlby’s studies:
 Forty-Four Juvenile Thieves (1944): Found that maternal separation in early childhood was strongly linked to delinquency.

 Affectionless thieves were characterised by broken emotional bonds with mothers.

o Attachment Theory:
Positive early attachments are critical for social and emotional development.
 Disrupted attachments can lead to social dysfunction and delinquency.
o Example: Derek, a child hospitalised for a year, showed an inability to form bonds after returning to his family.

Question 17

Evaluation of Psychoanalytic Theories

Answer 17

Pros:
* Bowlby’s ideas have been highly influential, shaping research on the impact of parenting and early life experiences on later delinquency.
* Encourages exploration of childhood factors as predictors of criminality.

Cons:
* Freudian concepts have little modern use due to lack of empirical support.
* Psychoanalytic therapies are time-consuming and often deemed ineffective for criminal treatment.

Question 18

Addiction to Crime

definition and rationale

Answer 18

• Some criminal behaviours persist despite severe negative consequences, resembling addiction.
• The addiction model suggests crime may share characteristics with substance abuse and other behavioural addictions (e.g., gambling, sex addiction).

Question 19

Characteristics of Addiction in Crime

Answer 19

1. Co-occurrence:
   o High rates of addiction (substance or alcohol abuse) are observed in criminal populations.
   o Risk factors for addiction (e.g., school problems, delinquent peers) are similar to those for criminality.
2. Persistence and Escalation:
   o Most criminal behaviour declines with age, but for some, it persists throughout life, resembling an addictive career.
3. Process of Change:
   o Similar treatments (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) are effective for both crime and addiction, indicating shared mechanisms

Question 20

Models of Addiction

Answer 20

1. Disease Model:
   o Views addiction as a biological/genetic predisposition.
   o Involves tolerance, withdrawal, and craving, with permanent abstinence as the solution.

o Example: Alcoholics Anonymous’ philosophy of permanent recovery through abstinence.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Model:
   o Focuses on social-psychological influences and learned behaviours.
   o Emphasises the role of reward expectations rather than biological dependence.

o Example: Drug use as an adaptive coping mechanism for stress, with withdrawal effects shaped by expectations.

Question 21

Eysenck’s Biosocial Theory of Crime.
introduction - core question

Answer 21

o Core Question: Instead of asking why people commit crimes, Eysenck proposed the critical question: “Why do we behave in a socially desirable fashion?”
o His answer: We learn not to commit crimes through the development of a conscience, influenced by biological and social factors.

Question 22

Key Features of Eysenck’s Biosocial Theory

Answer 22

1.** biological perspective-** crime = interaction genetic predisposition and environm.
2. **personality dimensions **

1. Extraversion (E):
    High extraversion: Individuals seek stimulation and excitement.
    Linked to impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and reduced sensitivity to punishment.
2. Neuroticism (N):
    High neuroticism: Emotional instability and high reactivity to stress.
    May increase susceptibility to criminal behaviour, especially under pressure.
3. Psychoticism (P):
    High psychoticism: Aggressiveness, egocentricity, and lack of empathy.
    Strongly associated with antisocial and criminal tendencies.

3.** conditioning and conscience formation-** Eysenck argued that socialisation and conditioning are key to developing a conscience.
o Individuals with high extraversion and neuroticism are harder to condition, making them less likely to learn socially acceptable behaviours.

Question 23

Biological Basis of Criminal Behaviour

Eyesenck role of genes in shaping personality

Answer 23

• Eysenck emphasised the role of genetics in shaping personality traits related to crime.
• Key Points:
  o Biological predispositions create tendencies for certain behaviours, including antisocial ones.
  o However, these tendencies are moderated by environmental influences like upbringing and social norms

Question 24

+ve/-ve Eyeseck theory

Answer 24

+ve
- integration biology and psychology
- empahsis on personality
- foundation for further research

-ve
- some argue that he oversimplified complex social phenomena- reducing to broad personality traits
- overemphasis on genetics
- limited practical strategies for reducing crime

Question 25

Gnetics and Crime

XXY hypothesis

Answer 25

o Rare condition: XYY (47, XYY), occurring in ~1 in 1000 men, referred to as Jacobs’ syndrome.
* Early Theories:
o XYY males speculated to be hyper-masculine, with increased aggression due to the additional Y chromosome.

• Later Findings:
  o XYY linked more to non-violent crimes (e.g., theft) rather than violent crimes (Witkin et al., 1976).
  o XYY men often have low IQ, making them vulnerable to detection, not inherently more criminal.

Question 26

Social Learning Theory (albert bandura)

Answer 26

o Learning occurs by observing and imitating others’ behaviours.
o Reinforced behaviours (rewarded) are more likely to be replicated; punished behaviours are less likely.

Application to Crime
* Criminal behaviours are learned by observing models (e.g., family, peers) who engage in and are rewarded for crime.
* Rewards (e.g., monetary gain) and punishments (e.g., imprisonment) influence the likelihood of reproducing criminal behaviour

Question 27

Evaluation of Social Learning Theory

Answer 27

Pros:
* Explains the acquisition of complex behaviours, including crime, as a normal learning process.
* Highlights the role of environmental influences over pathological explanations.

Cons:
* Limited in explaining why some individuals learn criminal behaviour while others do not.
* Weak in specifying under what conditions criminal behaviour is learned or avoided.

Question 28

Strain Theories of Crime

Merton’s Strain Theory

Answer 28

• Key Idea:
  o Crime arises when societal goals (e.g., financial success) cannot be achieved through legitimate means, causing strain.
  o Example: Economic hardship leading to drug dealing or theft to achieve monetary goals.
• Anomie:
  o A state of normlessness where traditional rules and values no longer constrain behaviour.

Question 29

General Strain Theory (Agnew, 1992)

types of strain, emotional response, aspects of strain that lead to crim

Answer 29

types of strain:
- blocked goals
- removal of positive stimuli
- exposure to negative stimuli

emotional response
negative emotions through strain –> can lead to delinquency

apsects that increase likelihod of delinq:
- events seen as unjust
- strain is exteme
- young person lacks social control
- models for deviant coping - parents, siblings …

Question 30

Evaluation of Strain Theories

Answer 30

Pros:
* Empirical support for links between strain, negative emotions, and crime.
* Broad scope addressing a range of social and psychological factors.

Cons:
* The theory is still evolving, with incomplete evidence for all principles.
* Lacks precision in predicting who will respond to strain with deviance.

Question 31

social construction of crime

definition and key premise

Answer 31

• Definition: The idea that crime is not an inherent or static behaviour but is defined by societal norms and processes.
• Key Premise: Crime is “made, not done”; it varies across cultures, legal systems, and historical periods.

Question 32

crime as a social construct

Answer 32

1. Variable Nature of Crime:
   o Acts considered criminal in one context may not be in another:
    Theft: Bailiffs legally seize goods from debtors, though similar actions by others may constitute theft.
    Homicide: Killing in self-defence or as an accident is not a crime.
    Drug Use: Certain drugs are criminalised in one country but legal in another.

 Historical Changes:
 Example: Male rape was not considered a crime in many jurisdictions until recently.
 Stalking became a crime only after specific laws were enacted.

2. Intent and Crime:
   o Criminality often depends on the presence of criminal intent, adding complexity to its definition

Question 33

social constructionism (weak + elite)

Answer 33

1. weak: o Recognises that crime is defined within a social context but offers little explanatory power.
   o Example: It reaffirms that societal structures influence behaviour but does not specify how or why.
2. elite: Knowledge and definitions of crime are shaped and propagated by powerful social groups or elites.

o Implications:
 Knowledge is often partisan, serving the interests of the groups promoting it.
 Example:
 Medicalisation of Crime: The medical profession historically construed crime as a pathology, focusing on biological flaws

Question 34

Examples of social construction in crime

Answer 34

1. Serial Killers:
   o The FBI shaped public fear by inflating statistics and defining serial killings to include unsolved murders.
2. Drug Use:
   o Medical and legal framing portrays drug users as psychologically or physically flawed, influencing drug policy and law enforcement.
3. Changing Definitions:
   o Male rape, stalking, and other behaviours became crimes only after legal and social recognition of their significance.
4. Feminist Movements:
   o Brought attention to crimes like date rape and domestic violence, reshaping societal and legal responses.

Question 35

the actual offence: 2 models

General Aggression Model (GAM)

definition and purpose

Answer 35

• The General Aggression Model (GAM) is a comprehensive framework for understanding aggression and violent behaviour.
• It explains how various factors interact to influence an individual’s aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in specific situations.

Question 36

General Aggression Model (GAM)- core components

Answer 36

1. Person and Situational Inputs:
   o Person Factors:
    Traits such as hostility, aggression-prone personality, or impulsivity.
    Long-term influences like exposure to violent media.
   o Situational Factors:
    External circumstances such as provocation, frustration, or substance use.
2. Cognitive and Emotional Processes:
   o Internal State:
    A combination of thoughts (e.g., hostile attributions), feelings (e.g., anger), and physiological arousal (e.g., heart rate increase).
   o Appraisal and Decision Processes:
    Individuals assess the situation and decide how to respond based on their internal state and available options.
    May involve impulsive (automatic) or thoughtful (controlled) reactions.

3.** Outcomes:**
o The model predicts aggressive or non-aggressive behaviour based on the interaction of inputs and processes.
o Feedback Loop:
 Behavioural outcomes feed back into the system, influencing future aggression through learning and habit formation.

Question 37

Application of GAM

Answer 37

• Assessment:
  o Identifies triggers for aggression in individuals and contexts, useful for intervention and prevention strategies.
• Intervention:
  o Suggests modifying situational factors (e.g., reducing exposure to provocation) or personal factors (e.g., anger management therapy).
• Research:
  o Used to explore the effects of violent media, substance abuse, or environmental stressors on aggression

Question 38

GAM strengths and limitations

Answer 38

• Strengths:
  o Integrative: Accounts for biological, psychological, and social factors.
  o Flexible: Applicable to different forms of aggression (e.g., physical violence, verbal hostility).
• Limitations:
  o Complexity may make it challenging to isolate specific causal factors.
  o Does not fully account for non-aggressive conflict resolution strategies.

Question 39

the actual offence: 2 models

13 Theory (I-cubed theory)

Answer 39

Definition and Purpose
* I³ Theory, or “I-Cubed Theory,” focuses on the dynamic interplay of factors that increase or inhibit aggression in specific situations.
* Emphasises three critical processes:
1. Instigation: External events that provoke a desire to aggress.
2. Impellance: Personal or contextual factors that increase the urge to respond aggressively.
3. Inhibition: Mechanisms that restrain aggressive impulses

Question 40

13 Theory (I-cubed theory)- core components

Answer 40

1. Instigation:
   o Provoking stimuli that create a motive to aggress.
   o Examples:
    Insults, threats, or social rejection.

2.** Impellance:**
o Factors that increase susceptibility to instigation.

o Examples:
 Personality traits (e.g., high trait anger).
 Situational contexts (e.g., presence of alcohol or weapons).

3. Inhibition:
o Factors that prevent aggressive behaviour despite instigation and impellance.
o Examples:
 Strong self-control, fear of punishment, or empathy.

illustrates I³ Theory (Instigation, Impellance, and Inhibition), focusing on how these factors interact to influence aggressive behaviour. Specifically, it shows how proclivity to aggress (y-axis) increases with the intensity of instigation (x-axis), depending on the levels of impellance (strong or weak) and inhibition (strong or weak).

Question 41

How It Works/ I3 Theory (I-cubed theory):

Answer 41

• Aggression occurs when instigation and impellance exceed the individual’s ability to inhibit the aggressive response.
• The balance of these processes determines whether aggression is expressed or suppressed.
• Example:
  o Instigation: A person insults another.
  o Impellance: The insulted individual has low frustration tolerance and is intoxicated.
  o Inhibition: Self-control is weakened, leading to an aggressive outburst.

Question 42

Applications: I3 Theory (I-cubed theory)

Answer 42

• Assessment:
  o Evaluates which of the three factors (instigation, impellance, inhibition) play a dominant role in an individual’s aggression.
• Intervention:
  o Enhances inhibitory mechanisms (e.g., impulse control training) or reduces impellance factors (e.g., addressing substance use).
• Policy Development:
  o Informs strategies for aggression prevention, such as reducing situational triggers or promoting conflict resolution education

Question 43

I3 Theory (I-cubed theory): +ve/-ve

Answer 43

• Strengths:
  o Focuses on the dynamic interaction of multiple factors in real-time.
  o Highlights the importance of both aggression-promoting and aggression-inhibiting processes.
• Limitations:
  o May require detailed, situation-specific analysis, limiting generalisability.
  o Less emphasis on long-term developmental factors compared to GAM.

Question 44

purpose of treatment

Retribution

Answer 44

this principle focuses on punishment as a way of delivering justice, ensuring offenders pay for their actions. Aims: to balance the scales of justice by holding offenders accountable to their crimes reflecting societal needs for fairness.

Question 45

purpose of treatment

Restoration and Reparation

Answer 45

emphases repairing the harm caused by the criminals act, often involving reconciliation between victim and offender.

In the Netherlands, restorative justice practices, such as mediation or community service, aim to provide closure and healing for victims while reintegrating offenders into society.

Question 46

purpose of treatment

Incapitation

Answer 46

Incapacitation involves removing an offender’s ability to commit further crimes, often through imprisonment or other restrictive measures. In the Netherlands, incapacitation is applied in cases where an offender is deemed a continuing threat to society.

Question 47

purpose of treatment

Deterrence

Answer 47

Deterrence aims to discourage criminal behaviour by imposing penalties that serve as a warning to the individual and society. Dutch forensic policies utilise both specific deterrence (preventing the offender from re-offending) and general deterrence (sending a broader message to society).

Question 48

Purpose of treatment

Rehabilitation

Answer 48

Rehabilitation focuses on addressing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour and equipping offenders with skills to reintegrate into society. In the Netherlands, rehabilitation is a core aspect of sentencing, incorporating education, therapy, and vocational training to reduce recidivism.

Question 49

criteria in forensic psychiatric care

Answer 49

evaluating an offender’s circumstances, particualry in the context of their criminal behaviour and potential rehabilitation

1. offence is (in part) due to psychiatric disorder- assessing offenders accountability
2. high recidivism risk should disorder remain untreated.

Question 50

pro justina assessment

Answer 50

formal evaluation to determine the mental state and accountability of a suspect involved in a crime. Integral in assessing individual’s capacity and intent concerning their criminal actions.
- Asses state of the suspect, level of accountability
- Suspect has to agree to assessment, consult lawyer in this

Question 51

components of pro justina assessment

Answer 51

voluntary participation

core questions adressed
- mental disorder- is it diganosable?
- what effects did it have on the indiv capacity to understand offence.
- recidivism risk

assessment methods:
- social worker assesses environment of offender- family, social life.
- identify external factors that caused behaviour
- monitor suspects behaviour in ward
- psychological ecamination
- psychiatric examination
- medical examination- physical or neuroslogical

Question 52

TBS: forensic psychiatric care

Answer 52

Definition:
* TBS is a mandatory treatment and detention order under Dutch criminal law.
* It applies to offenders who commit serious crimes and are deemed to have diminished responsibility due to mental disorders.

= an order in dutch cranial law, that can be imposed by a judge for a crime punishable by at least 4 years imprisonment. It must be determined that the person has diminished responsibility for this crime, furthermore, there must be a risk of recidivism.

Question 53

Implementation TBS:

Answer 53

• Offenders are detained in secure forensic psychiatric facilities for intensive treatment.
• The order is initially set for two years, but it can be extended indefinitely if the risk of reoffending persists

Question 54

other- forensic psychiatric care

Answer 54

inpatient settings: patients stay in this setting around the clock, treatment is provided within its walls.

assisted living: patients live in this setting around the clock, varying security levels, varying levels of support

outpatient setting: patients live outside of this setting. Treatment is provided at designated times, at which patients visit the facility.

Question 55

Offender Risk factors

Answer 55

= characteristics that increase change of offending.

static: ‘things’ that remain constant and cannot be changed through intervention or treatment. ie. criminal history, demographics.

dynamic: ‘things’ that can fluctuate over time and are amenable to intervention. ie. substance abuse, impulsivity.

significance in forensics:
- risk assessment tools distinguish b/w static and dynamic factors
- static factors = baseline risk, dynamic = areas for intervention

Question 56

assessment tool

Violence risk

Answer 56

o** HCR-20:**
 A widely used structured professional judgement (SPJ) tool for assessing the risk of future violent behaviour.
 Combines historical factors (e.g., past violence), clinical factors (e.g., current symptoms), and risk management factors (e.g., future plans or supervision).

o HKT-R (Historisch Klinisch Toekomst Revisie):
 Similar to the HCR-20 but adapted for use in the Dutch context.
 Includes an emphasis on historical, clinical, and future-oriented factors.

Question 57

assessment tool

sexual crime risk

Answer 57

o SVR-20:
 Structured Violence Risk Assessment for Sexual Offenders.
 Assesses risk factors specific to sexual violence, such as deviant sexual interests and relationship problems.

o STATIC, STABLE, ACUTE:
 These tools work in combination to assess sexual offenders:
 Static-99: Evaluates unchangeable risk factors, such as age and criminal history.
 Stable: Focuses on dynamic but stable factors, such as social relationships or impulsivity.
 Acute: Examines rapidly changing, short-term factors like emotional distress or access to victims.

Question 58

assessment tool

Various Risks

Answer 58

o START (Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability):
 Focuses on short-term risks of violence, self-harm, or other risks.
 Includes both risk factors and strengths, offering a balanced approach for treatment planning.

Question 59

assessment tools

protective factors

Answer 59

o SAPROF (Structured Assessment of Protective Factors):
 Complements risk assessments by identifying protective factors that reduce the likelihood of violent behaviour.

 Focuses on elements such as social support, resilience, and prosocial attitudes.
 Often used alongside HCR-20 or START to balance risk and protection

Question 60

Crime Diagnostics

Answer 60

crime diagnostics, which is a process used in forensic psychology to understand the underlying motivations and factors contributing to criminal behaviour.

It emphasises that criminal behaviour may be purposeful in fulfilling certain unmet or “felt needs” of the individual.

Question 61

source information crime diagnostics

Answer 61

o Patient Interviews: Direct discussions with the offender to understand their thoughts, emotions, and motivations.
o Case Files: Reviewing legal documents, police reports, and historical records to build a contextual understanding.
o Other Relevant Sources: Input from family, friends, or professionals involved in the offender’s life (e.g., teachers, social workers).

Question 62

core elements crime diagnostics

Answer 62

o Crime Scenario:
 Reconstructs the sequence of events leading to and during the crime.
 Helps identify triggers and the offender’s state of mind at the time.
o Crime Analysis:
 Examines the nature and details of the crime to identify patterns and psychological themes.
o Crime-Related Factors:
 Identifies internal (e.g., mental disorders, impulsivity) and external (e.g., peer influence, substance abuse) factors linked to the offence.

Question 63

Functional Analysis - ABC Framework:

Answer 63

• A behavioural approach to understanding why the crime occurred:
  o Antecedent: What happened before the criminal act? (e.g., a conflict or triggering event).
  o Behaviour: What was the offender’s action? (e.g., theft, assault).
  o Consequence: What happened as a result? (e.g., emotional relief, financial gain, punishment).
• Purpose:
  o Identifies the function of the behaviour, such as whether it was motivated by a need for attention, revenge, or coping with stress.

Question 64

Treatment

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Answer 64

o Focuses on addressing distorted thinking patterns that lead to criminal behaviour.
o For example, teaching offenders to recognise and challenge thoughts like “I need to steal to survive” and replacing them with healthier coping strategies.

Question 65

treatment

schema-focused therapy

Answer 65

o Targets deep-rooted maladaptive schemas (belief systems) often formed during childhood.
o For instance, addressing schemas related to abandonment, mistrust, or entitlement, which may drive criminal acts.

Question 66

treatment

Pharmacotherapy

Answer 66

o Utilises medication to address underlying mental health conditions contributing to criminal behaviour, such as mood stabilisers for aggression or antipsychotics for psychotic symptoms.

Question 67

Evidence-Based Practice:

Answer 67

o Treatments for offenders should be grounded in research and proven methodologies, ensuring their effectiveness in reducing recidivism.

Question 68

The ‘what works’ principle- RNR Model

Answer 68

o Risk Principle:
 Treatment intensity should match the offender’s risk level.
 High-risk offenders require intensive interventions, whereas low-risk offenders benefit from less intrusive methods.

o Need Principle:
 Focuses on targeting criminogenic needs—dynamic risk factors directly linked to criminal behaviour.
 Examples include substance abuse, antisocial attitudes, or lack of employment skills.

o Responsivity Principle:
 Ensures treatment is tailored to the offender’s learning style, motivation, abilities, and strengths.
 For instance, using interactive therapy for younger offenders or simplified approaches for those with intellectual disabilities.

RNR Model: theoretical frameworks used in offender rehabilitation, including within TBS treatment programs.
o Integrates the three principles into a comprehensive framework for offender rehabilitation.
o Ensures that interventions are both effective in reducing reoffending and suited to the offender’s unique circumstances.

Question 69

-ve of RNR model

Answer 69

failure to motivate and engage offenders in treatment

increases attrition rates

focuses too much on avoidance goals rather than approach goals

Question 70

Goog Lives Model (GLM)

Answer 70

The GLM focuses on helping individuals achieve meaningful and fulfilling lives while reducing their risk of reoffending. It emphasizes building strengths and addressing deficits by promoting primary goods or values that are universally important to individuals.

primary goods:
- life
- knowledge
- excellence in play
- excellence in work
- excellence in agency
- inner peace
- relatedness
- community
- spirituality
- pleasure
- creativity