The use of psychological formulation Flashcards
Define “psychological formulation”. (2 points)
An idiographic, holistic approach to understanding the factors underlying the criminal behaviour
Used when the offender has complex needs
What is an offence analysis? (2 points)
When the crime committed is analysed by breaking it down into what happened and why
A short, focused insight into the offender’s thinking, feeling and behaviours at the time of the offence
What are the 3 steps of a case formulation?
- Lots of information is gathered on the offender
- Different psychological explanations of criminality are applied to the offender
- A decision is made on how likely the offender is to continue being a criminal
What are the 4 types of explanations of criminality that are applied to offenders in case formulations?
Social (relationships, social learning, self-fulfilling prophecy)
Cognitions (beliefs, schemas)
Biological (brain injury, personality, genetics)
Any history of mental health illness
What is the purpose of a case formulation? (2 points)
Helps to decipher hypotheses about what caused and maintained criminal behaviour
Used to understand the mechanisms needed for change, such as the success of punishments and treatments alongside any issues responding to these
What are the 2 supporting pieces of evidence and the 2 refuting pieces of evidence for psych formulations as a way of understanding the function of offending in the individual?
Supporting:
Whitehead et al (2007) and Mr C.
Holistic approach
Refuting:
The reliability and objectivity of the process
Them being too holistic
How do Whitehead et al (2007) and Mr C support psych formulations as a way of understanding the function of offending in the individual? (3 points)
His report on Mr C’s psychological formulation states that it helped identify the treatment of 100 hours of CBT alongside a community violence prevention programme
It ended up being appropriate for Mr C’s circumstances - he had 20 previous criminal convictions but showed minimal recidivism after his release
However, Mr C is just a case study and isn’t representative of the success rates of all criminals who have had psychological formulations undertaken
How do psych formulations being a holistic approach support them as a way of understanding the function of offending in the individual? (2 points)
A range of psychological explanations and treatments are considered
This helps the offender understand and manage future situations, preventing recidivism
How do the reliability and objectivity of psych formulations refute them as a way of understanding the function of offending in the individual? (3 points)
No standardised approach - the BPS and The Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) have issued guidance to reduce the variability
Low internal validity - the application of psychological theories is subjective based on the formulator’s perspective and knowledge set
Lots of different people are involved in the formulation process - training everyone from BPS and HCPC to keep up-to-date with psychological theories is costly
According to the BPS and HCPC, what 4 traits should a psychological formulation have?
Diachronic (focused on past, present and future)
Ampliative (bringing theory and fact together)
Narrative (qualitative and discursive)
Individualised
How do psych formulations being too holistic refute them as a way of understanding the function of offending in the individual? (3 points)
The holistic nature can limit the depth of exploring each of the causes of crime
A lot of detailed information is considered which likely contradicts itself e.g. is the criminal behaviour due to nature or nurture, free will or determined?
This reduces the formulation’s ability to diagnose the most appropriate treatment - true cause may be under-investigated
