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Psychologists’ understanding of the factors influencing successful treatment in a secure forensic environment

Jessica Gale (Department of Psychology, University of York, York, UK)
Jane Clarbour (Department of Psychology, University of York, York, UK)
Kelly Rayner (Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Harrogate, UK)

The Journal of Forensic Practice

ISSN: 2050-8794

Article publication date: 11 April 2018

Issue publication date: 30 August 2018

353

Abstract

Purpose

Literature suggests that mentally disordered offenders are considerably more difficult to treat and slower to respond to psychological treatment. Less is known about the particular factors that can contribute to this resistance. A more comprehensive understanding of the factors that treating psychologists feel can promote or inhibit progression through rehabilitative treatment may increase the likelihood of positive clinical outcomes. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Four practising psychologists employed within a male medium- and low-secure forensic unit in the North East of England took part in a semi-structured interview. Their views, opinions and experiences regarding patient progression through treatment pathways were recorded, transcribed and analysed.

Findings

This thematic analysis identified that numerous patient-specific parameters influenced perceived progression, and environmental and external factors had a significant impact on the patients’ expressed attitude towards treatment.

Practical implications

Alongside issues of motivation and engagement, participants identified external factors that influence perceived treatment success with their forensic patients.

Originality/value

Additional research is needed to identify the factors that are the most influential in promoting or inhibiting perceived and actual progress. This will hopefully optimise treatment engagement and the motivation to change problematic behaviours in mentally disordered offenders.

Keywords

Citation

Gale, J., Clarbour, J. and Rayner, K. (2018), "Psychologists’ understanding of the factors influencing successful treatment in a secure forensic environment", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 167-178. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-06-2017-0023

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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