Prepare For This Discussion Review The Article “Innovation”

To prepare for this Discussion review the article, “Innovations In Cor

In this discussion, the primary focus is on evaluating recent advancements in correctional assessment and treatment, particularly in the realm of mental health. This involves thoroughly reviewing the article “Innovations in Correctional Assessment and Treatment” by Ax et al. (2007), which discusses specific areas of mental health assessment and treatment within correctional settings, the methodologies used to study these areas, and the key findings. The review encourages consideration of how these research insights could be applied practically in correctional institutions.

Further, the task involves examining the DVD program titled "Application of Psychological Research - Correctional Settings," which emphasizes relevant forensic psychology research questions pertinent to correctional environments. Using the Walden Library, students should select a peer-reviewed psychological research study conducted within a correctional setting. A close review of the study’s methods and results is essential to identify the most significant contributions of the research for correctional practice.

Once a study is selected, students are expected to provide a brief summary describing the research study, highlight the key parts of the study that are valuable for forensic psychology professionals working in correctional facilities, and discuss how these professionals might apply the study’s findings in their work. This exercise aims to foster understanding of the translation of research into practical correctional interventions and policies.

Paper For Above instruction

The chosen research study for this analysis is “Historical and personality correlates to the violence patterns of juveniles tried as adults” by Kruh, Frick, and Clements (2005). This quantitative study investigates the relationship between certain personality traits, historical background, and violent behavior among juvenile offenders who were processed as adults. The research employed structured interviews, standardized personality assessments, and archival records review methodologies to gather comprehensive data on participants’ backgrounds, personality characteristics, and violence patterns.

The study’s comprehensive approach to understanding the psychological and historical factors contributing to violent behavior among juvenile offenders is particularly relevant for correctional psychologists and practitioners. The detailed analysis of personality correlates and early life experiences offers valuable insights into risk assessment and intervention strategies within correctional facilities. Such insights can inform screening procedures to identify high-risk individuals and tailor individualized treatment programs that address underlying personality and environmental factors influencing violent tendencies.

Specifically, the parts of the study that are crucial for forensic psychology professionals involve its methodology—namely, how personality traits and historical data interact with violence patterns—and its findings that certain personality features, such as impulsivity and aggression, are significantly associated with violent outcomes among juvenile offenders. Importantly, the identification of these traits can enhance violence risk assessments, leading to more targeted treatment and management strategies in juvenile correctional settings.

Practitioners in correctional environments could use the findings by integrating personality assessments into routine screening processes for juvenile offenders. These assessments can help determine which individuals are more likely to engage in violent behavior and therefore require specific management plans or intervention programs, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy targeting impulsivity and aggression. Furthermore, understanding the historical backgrounds associated with violence can allow correctional staff to develop more individualized rehabilitation plans, considering each person’s past experiences and personality profiles.

In addition, the insights from the study support the development of preventative strategies aimed at early intervention. For example, recognizing risk factors associated with violent tendencies during adolescence can inform community-based programs designed to mitigate these risks before individuals encounter the juvenile justice system or are tried as adults.

Overall, this study equips forensic psychology professionals with empirical evidence to refine their assessment and intervention techniques, ultimately promoting safer correctional environments and supporting rehabilitation efforts tailored to individual needs based on personality and historical risk factors. Its implications underscore the importance of multidimensional assessment models that incorporate personality, history, and behavioral data for effective correctional management.

References

  • Ax, R. K., Fagan, T. J., Magaletta, P. R., Morgan, R. D., Nussbaum, D., & White, T. W. (2007). Innovations in correctional assessment and treatment. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 34(7), 893–905.
  • Kruh, I. P., Frick, P. J., & Clements, C. B. (2005). Historical and personality correlates to the violence patterns of juveniles tried as adults. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 32(1), 69–96.
  • Mears, D. P. (2013). Supermax prisons. Criminology & Public Policy, 12(4).
  • Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). Understanding forensic psychology research: Application of psychological research - Correctional settings. Baltimore: Author.
  • Fazel, S., & Seewald, K. (2012). Severe mental illness in 33,588 prisoners worldwide: Systematic review and meta-regression analysis. British Journal of Psychiatry, 200(5), 364–373.
  • Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 53(4), 209–220.
  • Routledge.
  • Psychiatric Services, 68(1), 107–109.
  • International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 63(8), 1077–1096.
  • Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 36(2), 217–231.