The Future of Forensic Psychology

Question 1

Future Directions

Answer 1

• Engagement of a broader definition of forensic psychology in Australia
• Have to strive for increased educational opportunities in Australia
• Increased dialogues with agencies regarding the need for research/organisation collaborations
• Increased attention to the “new” areas of forensic psychology such as the incorporation of new psychological models and theories (e.g. emotional intelligence), increased cross-national collaborative work due to the new global world (e.g. human trafficking), and addressing forensic technology issues (e.g. cyber bullying).

Question 2

Offender wellbeing programs now vs. future

Answer 2

Offender rehabilitation is currently focused on high end needs (RNR) and standard pen/paper approach. In the future there should be attention to life-skill programming and employment technology.

Question 3

Example: Cognitive Skills

Answer 3

When you talk about an individual’s wellbeing it generally means you need to improve their cognitive skills in these areas:

• Problem recognition and acceptance: psychological understanding of when there is a problem in your life.
• Openness to change: how open to advice are you?
• Locus of control: high external locus of control you are statistically headed for psychological disturbance. Feel as if they have no control. High internal – think they have control of everything in their life they will be on their way to hospital with a heart attack.
• Basic decision-making
• Emotional intelligence and regulation
• Motivation and resilience: getting back on the horse after failure.