Purpose This study aims to investigate relationship between adverse life events and delinquent behavior among out-of-school children. This study also aimed at explaining the mediating role of callous-unemotional traits between adverse life events and delinquent behavior among out-of-school children. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected on Self-Report Delinquency Scale, Adverse Life Events Scale and Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits. Sample comprised of 350 out-of-school children from Rawalpindi and Islamabad age ranging from 10 to 17 years with mean (M = 15.5 years) and standard deviation (SD = 0.73 years). Structural validity of instruments was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis and reliability was estimated with Cronbach’s alpha. All three scales showed good structural validity and reliability indices. Findings The Pearson correlational analysis revealed that when children exposed to adverse life events it will increase callous-unemotional traits and delinquent behavior. The mediation analysis was carried out by using structural equation modeling in Amos. The latent variable adverse life event appears to have a significant positive indirect association with delinquent behaviors through callous-unemotional traits. It is concluded that adverse life events are associated with delinquent behaviors both directly and indirectly through callous-unemotional traits. Research limitations/implications This study uses a cross-sectional design, which limits the ability to draw causal inferences. Longitudinal research is needed to address this limitation and better capture the developmental progression of delinquency. Practical implications This research underscores the importance of integrating psychological support with educational and vocational initiatives to address delinquency and its psychosocial roots. Programs focusing on mental health services, life skills training and peer mentoring can help mitigate the adverse effects of life events and reduce the likelihood of delinquent behaviors. Originality/value This study addresses a gap by examining how adverse life events relate to delinquent behavior among out-of-school adolescents, an underresearched high-risk group. It adds value by identifying callous-unemotional traits as a key mediating mechanism with implications for targeted interventions.
Purpose This study aims to develop and validate a structured assessment tool designed to identify psychosocial vulnerability associated with pathways towards violent extremism among youth. The instrument is intended to support practitioners working in prevention and intervention settings by providing a systematic framework for organising complex psychosocial information and guiding case formulation. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method design was used. An initial pool of items was generated through a literature review and psychological interviews, followed by a pre-test study (n = 92) and expert evaluation. The refined instrument was administered to 350 participants. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to examine the dimensional structure, while reliability and construct validity were assessed using standard psychometric indicators. Findings The final instrument comprises 43 items structured into two subscales across eight dimensions. Results indicated acceptable model fit and satisfactory internal consistency. The findings of this study support the reliability and construct validity of the scale. Significant associations were also observed between vulnerability profiles and sociodemographic variables. Research limitations/implications The instrument is not designed to predict violent extremist behaviour but to support structured professional judgement. This study did not assess test–retest reliability or inter-rater reliability. Future research should examine these properties and explore the cross-cultural applicability of the instrument in different socio-political contexts. Practical implications The Violent Extremism Vulnerability Assessment Scale provides practitioners with a structured tool to assess psychosocial vulnerability and organise complex information in applied settings. This study may support psychologists, social workers and multidisciplinary teams in identifying vulnerability profiles, facilitating case discussions and guiding tailored intervention strategies in prevention programs. Social implications By improving the identification of psychosocial vulnerabilities, the tool may contribute to more effective prevention strategies targeting youth exposed to conditions associated with violent extremism, particularly in contexts characterised by social and structural inequalities. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study introduces one of the first psychometrically validated tools designed to assess vulnerability to violent extremism in a North African context. This study contributes to the field by translating multidimensional theoretical frameworks into a practical assessment instrument for use in applied settings.
Purpose The assessment and management of violence risk is integral to a patient’s care pathway in secure mental health care. Risk assessment tools, such as the Historical Clinical Risk-20 (HCR-20), are embedded in practice, framing an individual’s risk and supporting clinical decision-making across the care pathway. Patient involvement in their risk assessment is fundamental; however, achieving effective and impactful collaboration is complex and our understanding of the mechanisms and context in which collaboration works is limited. This study aimed to investigate the views and experiences of professionals regarding patient involvement with the HCR-20. Design/methodology/approach The authors interviewed 21 psychiatrists and psychologists working in secure mental health care. Data were analysed using the framework method. Findings The analysis identified that while patients were consistently interviewed, where feasible, to gather information to construct the HCR-20, more meaningful involvement and collaboration in the HCR-20 assessment and for the formulation of risk management were described as inconsistent and varied. The themes further describe participant views on facilitators and barriers to collaboration and the perceived benefits of involving patients in the HCR-20. Practical implications Further research and service evaluations are needed to review and evaluate real-world in-practice approaches to collaborative risk assessment. Clinical services should strive to reduce the perceived variation and inconsistency observed in this study, address barriers to collaboration and promote meaningful patient involvement. Originality/value This study addresses a significantly under-researched area, building an understanding of how patients are involved in their risk assessment, the extent to which collaboration is embedded in HCR-20 processes and the mechanisms and context in which collaboration occurs in real-world practice.
Purpose The risk assessment and rehabilitation of individuals convicted of terrorist offences remains a nascent field, with quality assurance increasingly recognised as a valuable tool for establishing standards. Historically focused on interventions, this paper aims to propose that quality assurance is key at the assessment stage to support the wider management and rehabilitation of this cohort. Design/methodology/approach An innovatory approach was taken to design and develop a robust quality assurance framework and supporting processes for the Extremism Risk Guidance, an assessment used to help inform decisions about risk and need for individuals convicted of terrorist offending. This paper describes the process followed to introduce the framework, details challenges encountered, strategies used, reviews outcomes observed and explores the future potential of quality assurance within this field. Findings Quality assurance is a valuable tool to strengthen risk assessments in this space. Implementation of the framework positively impacted the quality of assessments and provided additional benefits, including support to authors and a continuous improvement approach to this area of work. Research limitations/implications Research is advocated to further establish the utility of the framework. Practical implications Broader consideration of quality assurance across the complex field of counter terrorism is proposed. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is a unique approach to quality assurance of assessment in the counter terrorism space and is the first published paper describing the process followed.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to descibe the development, delivery and evaluation of a co-produced, five-day Essential Skills Training programme implemented within low secure forensic mental health services in Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. The programme was developed in response to staff-reported challenges in managing complex relational, behavioural and neurodevelopmental presentations within secure care environments. Design/methodology/approach The training was informed by experiential learning theory (Kolb), trauma-informed practice and relational security principles, and developed through an iterative quality improvement process. It was co-produced and co-delivered by a multidisciplinary team, including professionals from psychology, nursing, occupational therapy, social work and speech and language therapy, alongside individuals with lived experience. A mixed-methods evaluation was undertaken, combining pre- and post-training knowledge quizzes with session-level feedback ratings and qualitative data from participant reflections and facilitator observations. Data were collected from 47 staff members across 372 training encounters. Findings Knowledge quiz scores improved significantly following training, indicating measurable learning gains observed across key topic areas. Session-level ratings of enjoyment, relevance, usefulness and perceived learning were uniformly high, with no meaningful differences identified by professional role or experience. Qualitative findings highlighted the perceived relevance of the training to clinical practice, the value of reflective space and staff-reported development of shared language and team cohesion. Co-production and lived experience input were identified as central to engagement and perceived impact. Practical implications The findings demonstrate the feasibility and value of locally developed, psychologically informed training models within forensic settings. The integration of reflective practice, lived experience and multidisciplinary delivery appeared to support workforce confidence and more relationally informed approaches to care. Originality/value This paper contributes a practice-based account of how relational security principles can be operationalised through co-produced workforce development in low secure services. It offers a transferable framework for services seeking to strengthen induction, support psychologically informed practice and enhance staff engagement in complex clinical environments.
Purpose The presence of gardens in prison settings have positively affected the psychological and physical health of people in custody and have also been shown to reduce recidivism rates and support prisoner rehabilitation. In Irish prisons, horticulture programmes have been introduced with the aim of supporting prisoners in developing transferable skills, increase self-efficacy and self-awareness and improve interpersonal skills. This study aims to explore the perspectives of those in custody who are participating in a prison horticulture programme, including its impact on their wellbeing, behaviour, and proposed changes to its implementation. Design/methodology/approach This study used semi-structured interviews to explore people in custody’s experiences of participating in a horticulture programme in prison, using thematic analysis. It focused on the lived experiences of 11 people in custody in an Irish prison. Findings Three themes were identified: “Coming to understand the self”, “Freedom within walls” and “Finding my voice”. Results indicated that participants have experienced improvements in their mental health and wellbeing, and are engaging in pro-social behaviours. Practical implications Participants demonstrated improved emotion regulation, reduced reporting of mental health challenges and increased help-seeking behaviours. Participants also acquired skills relevant to employability post-release and described systemic issues such as limited spaces, staff shortages and restricted access, which impacted their engagement. Originality/value This study builds upon the limited research looking at experiences of prisoners participating in vocational and educational programmes. The study gives insight into how nature, meaningful activities, and therapeutic relationships can support the wellbeing of people in custody.
PurposeThis study aims to assess whether dynamic rotation enhances the recognition of forensic facial depiction compared to traditional multi-view static (polyptych) presentation and to examine how viewpoint availability and repeat exposure influence identification outcomes.Design/methodology/approachTwo psychological experiments compared the recognition of facial depictions presented either as multi-view static polyptychs - either (three-view) triptychs or (five-view) pentaptychs - or 16-s dynamic rotations (animated GIFs). Recognition was measured using correct and incorrect naming responses from participants and a combined naming-accuracy index. Generalised linear mixed models were used to evaluate the effect of presentation format while accounting for variation across participants and stimuli.FindingsExperiment 1 involved facial depictions presented as static triptych (three views: front view plus two side profiles) and dynamic-view rotation. Dynamic presentation did not significantly improve correct naming overall. However, when faces were viewed twice, dynamic presentation produced significantly higher correct naming and overall accuracy relative to static presentation. In Experiment 2, two three-quarter profiles were added to the static condition to give a static (five-view) pentaptych. These pentaptychs now slightly increased correct naming and significantly improved accuracy compared with dynamic rotation. Repeated exposure provided modest identification benefits but was also associated with some increase in mistaken names. Overall, static three-quarter viewpoints enhanced recognition, while dynamic motion was thought to mainly increase engagement and to provide recognition gains under repeated viewing when there is a limited number of fixed views available.Practical implicationsFor the presentation of forensic facial depiction to stimulate recognition, results suggest that increasing the number of viewpoints is more effective than motion for promoting accurate recognition, although dynamic presentation may be useful when repeating exposure of limited (front-and-side view) perspectives.Originality/valueThis study offers the first direct empirical comparison of static multi-view and dynamic rotational facial depictions in a forensic context, demonstrating distinct recognition outcomes and informing evidence-based display practice.
Purpose This study aims to develop an explanatory framework for understanding how children of incarcerated parents negotiate the experience of having a parent in prison, including both the risks they face and the strengths they build. The research examines this retrospectively, by investigating how individuals who are now adults navigated parental incarceration in Malta, a small-state context where stigma and social exclusion are intensified.Design/methodology/approach Using grounded theory methodology and a constructivist epistemology, the study developed a substantive level theory rooted in participants' interpretations and grounded in meanings constructed through social interactions. Framed by a risk and resilience approach, eight Maltese adults (aged 18-40) who experienced parental incarceration between ages 6-18 participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method, producing four interlinked conceptual categories.Findings The emergent explanatory framework highlights that children of incarcerated parents face multiple risks and repercussions, including the initial loss of the parent, navigating between home and prison worlds, experiencing courtesy stigma and enduring long-term emotional and relational impacts. These findings reveal parental incarceration as dynamic and enduring. Yet, protective mechanisms such as open communication, supportive caregiving and maintaining positive contact with the incarcerated parent, mitigated adverse effects and fostered adaptation, adjustment and resilience.Practical implications The study emphasises the need for interventions that prioritise children's voices, strengthen family support systems and promote resilience-building through school and community networks.Originality/value By centring on children's lived experiences of parental incarceration in Malta, this study fills a critical gap in the local literature. It complements and extends international quantitative research by offering a culturally grounded, qualitative perspective that captures nuanced socioemotional processes often overlooked.
Purpose While cognitive-behavioral therapy is the standard treatment for individuals who committed a sex offense, individual outcomes vary. Mentalization-based treatment (MBT), aimed at strengthening participants’ capacity to mentalize, may prove a useful alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of MBT in persons sentenced to clinical treatment after perpetrating a sex offense. Design/methodology/approach A proof of principle design was used, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Study 1 (n = 21) assessed changes in self-reported emotion recognition, empathy and interpersonal reactivity over 12 months of MBT. Additionally, changes in practitioner-rated recidivism risk were evaluated. Study 2 evaluated MBT among 21 patients and 11 staff members through semi-structured interviews analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological approach. Findings Quantitative results using self-report measures showed no significant improvements over time. However, practitioner-rated recidivism risk decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Qualitative findings indicated that MBT was generally well-accepted, with patients and staff reporting perceived benefits such as improved emotional expression, communication skills and therapeutic relationships. Challenges included mandatory participation, difficulties for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and potentially reduced feasibility with patients showing high levels of socially desirable behavior. Practical implications MBT treatment may offer a valuable and practical addition to the currently available treatment protocols for the treatment of individuals who have committed sexual offenses. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to systematically examine MBT in a sex-offender population. Findings suggest that MBT is feasible and acceptable in forensic settings treating sex offenders and although no significant changes were perceived via self-reported measures, may reduce recidivism risk as assessed by practitioners.
Purpose Despite recent developments in the approach to investigating incidents in healthcare, the hindsight that comes from knowing the outcome is still likely to influence investigators. There is limited research examining the role of hindsight bias in relation to the investigation of adverse incidents in mental health settings. This study is the first addressing the nature of narrative explanations provided by individuals with hindsight in this process. The purpose of this study was to examine the process of judgment formation by clinicians when they are intially contemplating future harm and then making sense of past harmful incidents. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted 10 focus groups with 31 participants, who were asked to discuss matters around risk in relation to a case. They were then informed of one of three outcomes taking place (patient suicide, patient-perpetrated homicide or no adverse outcome) and continued to offer their opinions. Findings Thematic analysis of the transcribed focus group discussions identified three themes: “variability of future-based judgements”, describing a wide range in the nature of possible future outcomes and the certainty with which these views were held; “making meaning after the fact”, confirming the concept of hindsight bias but also revealing the phenomenon of altering one’s view in light of knowledge about the outcome and “personal and professional risk”, referring to a clinician’s concern for professional harm in the event of a serious adverse outcome resulting from their clinical practice. Originality/value These findings are relevant to improving approaches to investigating adverse clinical incidents, but also to the conceptualisation of risk and addressing wider system factors.
Purpose While those who dual harm (use self-harm and violence to others) are considered to constitute approximately 11%-16% of the prison population, dual harmers have been identified as causing approximately half of the prison incidents that take place (Slade, 2018a; Slade et al., 2020). The purpose of this study is to explore the narratives of those who have been successful in desisting from dual harm within a custodial setting.Design/methodology/approach Prisoners within one of His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) regions with a history of dual harm in custody who had desisted from this behaviour for at least six months were identified. Reflexive Thematic analysis was used to analyse semi-structured interviews with 12 of these prisoners.Findings Analysis identified four superordinate themes, three of which are explored here: It's not me anymore, Momentum and I am not alone. The findings of this study enhance understanding of the factors which are helpful in supporting those who desist from dual harm in custody.Practical implications Through understanding these perspectives of those who desist from dual harm in custody, we can significantly influence policy and practical application to enable the change process.Originality/value The limited research in this area to date has predominantly focused on risk factors and characteristics of the dual harm population. This research explores the factors associated with desistance from dual harming behaviours in custody.
Purpose The role of psychological professionals has been expanding to meet the increasing demand for mental healthcare across the prison estate in the UK. Existing literature emphasises the challenges that different professional groups in prison face, with less focus on the views of psychological staff. This study aims to explore the factors and processes involved in the delivery of psychological therapies in seven prisons in England, from the perspective of staff. Design/methodology/approach Ten psychological professionals took part in semi-structured interviews, following purposive recruitment and theoretical sampling. Constructivist grounded theory methodology was used to formulate a theoretical framework of participants’ experience of delivering psychological therapies in prisons. Findings “The rose that grows from concrete” reflects participants’ shared experience of therapy in prison as a hopeful process that perseveres through adversity. Four core categories emerged from the data, namely, “the driving force”, “impeding factors”, “we keep persevering” and “the rose that grows from concrete”. Practical implications The role of psychological professionals has been expanding to meet the increasing demand for mental health care across the prison estate in the UK. Existing literature emphasises the challenges that different professional groups in prison face, with less focus on the views of psychological staff. Originality/value The end ground theory model adds to the existing knowledge base by offering an insight into the challenges, motivations, coping strategies, aims and successes of prison therapists. The model is process-oriented, depicting psychological therapy as dynamic gears that interact with the forces of the wider context and systems operating in prison environments. Interpretations and conclusions drawn from the results are not limited to the experience of a single therapeutic modality, which adds to the originality of this research.
PurposeThis study explores the relationship between alexithymia and prison populations, synthesising existing empirical research to identify trends, gaps and implications for rehabilitation. By analysing 32 studies, the research examines how trauma, mental health comorbidities and demographic factors influence the prevalence of alexithymia among offenders. It also evaluates potential treatment approaches beyond traditional psychotherapy, particularly in reducing recidivism. The study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of alexithymia-specific interventions within correctional systems. Ultimately, this study aims to contribute to the development of targeted rehabilitation strategies for offenders with alexithymia, improving mental health outcomes and reducing reoffending rates.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review methodology was used to analyse studies on alexithymia in prison populations. A comprehensive search was conducted via Google Scholar database, screening publications from 1972 to 2024 using the search terms: Alexithymia AND Prison OR Offender OR Inmate OR Prisoner. Inclusion criteria required studies to be empirical, prison-based and published in English. After screening 981 search results, 32 studies met the criteria. Data extraction focused on study aims, methodology, sample characteristics and findings. Thematic synthesis was conducted, categorising studies into five key areas: abuse/trauma, testing and treatment, comorbidities, demographics and type of crime.FindingsThe review identified a strong relationship between alexithymia and adverse childhood experiences, comorbid mental health conditions (e.g. depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction) and aggression/impulsivity. Studies indicate that alexithymia contributes to emotional dysregulation, influencing offending behaviour, particularly among violent offenders. However, evidence regarding its role in psychopathy and non-violent crime remains inconsistent. Few studies have examined alexithymia among female or ethnically diverse prison populations. Treatment interventions, such as mindfulness, compassion-focused therapy and social problem-solving skills, show promise in reducing alexithymic traits. Overall, these findings emphasise the need for tailored interventions for incarcerated individuals with alexithymia.Research limitations/implicationsThis review is limited by its reliance on English-language publications and studies indexed in Google Scholar, which may exclude relevant research. The heterogeneity of methodologies across studies also limits direct comparisons. Furthermore, most studies focus on male prisoners, leaving gaps in understanding alexithymia in female and minority populations. The findings suggest a need for further research on gender differences, psychopathology and non-violent offending. In addition, more longitudinal studies are required to assess whether treating alexithymia reduces recidivism. Addressing these gaps can improve psychological assessments and rehabilitative approaches for offenders with alexithymia.Practical implicationsThe strong association between alexithymia and offending behaviour underscores the need for targeted rehabilitative interventions in prisons. Current rehabilitation programs may be ineffective for alexithymic individuals due to their emotional processing deficits. Screening for alexithymia in correctional settings could enhance treatment planning by identifying offenders who may struggle with traditional therapy. The effectiveness of interventions such as mindfulness, emotional regulation training and social problem-solving skills suggests that integrating these into prison rehabilitation programs may reduce aggression, impulsivity and recidivism. Addressing alexithymia in offenders could improve rehabilitation outcomes and contribute to a safer reintegration into society.Social implicationsAlexithymia's association with trauma, poor mental health and aggression suggests broader societal consequences. Many incarcerated individuals have experienced childhood abuse and neglect, highlighting systemic failures in early intervention. Understanding alexithymia s role in offending behaviour could inform social policies addressing mental health disparities, particularly in marginalised communities. In addition, providing alexithymia-specific rehabilitation in prisons may reduce reoffending rates, benefiting both the justice system and society. Addressing alexithymia could also have implications for reducing prison violence and improving inmate well-being, ultimately contributing to more effective reintegration and reducing the long-term social costs of incarceration.Originality/valueTo the best of the author's knowledge, this systematic review is the first to synthesise all existing empirical research on alexithymia in prison populations. By categorising findings into five key themes, it provides a comprehensive overview of how alexithymia interacts with trauma, comorbidities, demographics and offending behaviour. The review identifies critical research gaps, particularly regarding gender differences and the effectiveness of treatment interventions. Its findings emphasise the need for tailored rehabilitation approaches, offering valuable insights for psychologists, prison administrators and policymakers. By advancing our understanding of alexithymia in incarcerated individuals, this review contributes to improving mental health strategies and reducing recidivism.
PurposeWith the recent drive for services providing care for people with offending backgrounds to adopt a more psychologically informed approach, it is integral to understand how receiving care and treatment is talked about. People's care when detained within a Welsh Forensic Mental Health Service (FMHS) is restricted by the Mental Health Act (MHA, 1983) and managed with a care and treatment plan approach under the Mental Health Measure (NHS Wales, 2010). This study aims to explore people's experiences of receiving care within an FMHS.Design/methodology/approachFoucauldian discourse analysis (FDA) was used to analyse interview transcripts from seven people who were receiving care within an FMHS. The interviews explored discourses of receiving care within an FMHS. Particular attention was paid to the Foucauldian concepts of knowledge, power, objectification, subjectification and surveillance.FindingsThree main discourses and two alternative discourses emerged. Participants perceived the power to be held within FMHS and spoke of being in a constant battle of trying to hold onto power within a system that holds power. Knowledge about the systemic factors that influence the distribution of power was shared and participants reflected on the differences between the "internal" world of FMHS and the "outside" world. Participants' experiences were shared through a lens of perceived powerlessness.Practical implicationsOverall, the people receiving care should be acknowledged as experts of their own experience, with their knowledge shared, listened to and respected.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is believed to be the first paper exploring people's experiences of care within an FMHS from an FDA perspective.
PurposeThis study aims to investigate the clinical, developmental and psychosocial characteristics of young female offenders referred to a community-based Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. The objective is to inform trauma-informed, gender-responsive and developmentally sensitive approaches within forensic and youth justice settings, particularly in community contexts where this population remains under-researched.Design/methodology/approachA retrospective analysis was conducted using anonymised outcome monitoring data from 69 females aged 10-17 years, referred between 2018 and 2024. Data were extracted from clinical records and professional consultations and included adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), demographic information, mental health and neurodevelopmental profiles and offending behaviour. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used to assess prevalence and associations.FindingsThe cohort demonstrated a high prevalence of early adversity (mean ACE score = 5.21), with emotional neglect, domestic abuse and household mental illness most frequently reported. Mental health difficulties were common, including self-harm (59.4%) and suicidal ideation or attempts (52.2%). Neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and learning difficulties, were also prominent. Offending behaviour was diverse, with violent offences reported in 69.6% of cases, sexually harmful behaviour in 33.3% and over half the cohort identified as being at risk of exploitation. A significant positive association was found between ACEs and the range of offending behaviours.Practical implicationsThese findings highlight the importance of integrated, trauma-informed approaches and early identification strategies within forensic mental health services, to support targeted intervention, risk management and diversion from custody for justice-involved girls. The results also support the use of routine ACE screening and neurodevelopmental assessment, as well as improved collaboration between youth justice, mental health and social care professionals.Social implicationsThe study reinforces the need to reframe societal understandings of female youth offending by recognising the intersection of trauma, systemic inequality and developmental vulnerability. It challenges reductionist or gender-stereotyped views of female offenders and underscores the blurred boundaries between victimisation and offending. These findings have implications for justice policy, public discourse and the design of equitable and inclusive services.Originality/valueThis study contributes novel insights into an under-researched population, providing ecologically valid data from a real-world clinical setting. It highlights the need for comprehensive, gender-informed assessment and intervention frameworks that integrate developmental, mental health and forensic risk perspectives. While research has increasingly explored women in custodial contexts, far less attention has been given to young females in community forensic services. This study therefore extends current knowledge and supports early, preventative intervention frameworks.
PurposeFew studies have investigated the complexity that arises when applying recovery-oriented principles, such as hope and autonomy, in the context of forensic treatment. This study aims to explore these complexities.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 professionals and 9 service users from six different organisations providing low, medium or high-secure forensic mental healthcare. The interview transcripts were analysed using Consensual Qualitative Research in a team of three researchers.FindingsSeveral challenges were identified in the analysis. These challenges include the often implicit focus on recovery, the need to have hope to give hope and the delicate balance between care and control. Whereas most of the barriers to recovery can be placed within forensic mental health services, stigma is a major barrier that can hinder social recovery.Practical implicationsDrawing on the CHIME framework, this study outlines key dilemmas in promoting recovery-oriented work within forensic mental health services. Heightened awareness of these challenges can inform the development of explicit strategies to maintain recovery principles, even in complex or adverse situations.Originality/valueWhile the principles of recovery-oriented care fit well within forensic settings, their application occasionally presents considerable challenges. Navigating these challenges requires a lot from professionals. Therefore, strategies aimed at enhancing the psychological resilience of service providers are essential to sustain a recovery-promoting attitude towards service users.
PurposeThis study aims to address the lack of emphasis within forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) on formal appraisal of race- and ethnicity-related experiences, despite their profound impact on minoritized groups. It provides theoretical and ethical justification for integrating explicit appraisal of race and ethnicity into FMHA.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducted a scoping review of 108 existing race- and ethnicity-focused (REF) psychological measures to identify those that are psychometrically sound (i.e. reliable, valid), recent and sufficiently documented for potential use in forensic contexts. Measures were evaluated against these criteria and narrowed down to a final set of 16.FindingsOnly one measure, the UConn racial/ethnic stress and trauma survey, was deemed currently appropriate for use in FMHA without revision. The remaining 15 require further development or adaptation to meet the standards for forensic application. The study outlines considerations for revising these tools for such use.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors view this publication as a starting point for the further empirical work that will be required to validate revised or newly developed measures for forensic use and to understand how these assessments may influence FMHA outcomes.Social implicationsFormal inclusion of race and ethnicity appraisals in FMHA may reduce bias, enhance fairness and improve the relevance of forensic evaluations for minoritized individuals.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to systematically evaluate race- and ethnicity-related psychological measures for their applicability in FMHA, filling a critical gap in the literature and advancing the discussion of equity and cultural competence in forensic practice.
PurposeThis study aims to explore demographic criminological and psychological correlates of psychopathy-related traits among incarcerated men in the Maldives highlighting patterns relevant to risk assessment and forensic practice.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted among incarcerated men (n = 283) across all male correctional facilities in the Maldives between January and May 2025. Psychopathy was assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised, and participants also completed the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Modified Mini Screen and the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test, together with structured criminological and demographic interviews. Regression analysis was done to examine multivariable associations between psychopathy scores and demographic, criminological and psychological variables.FindingsMean scores on the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised were below commonly used clinical cut off thresholds and lower than those typically reported in high-risk forensic samples, with lifestyle-antisocial traits (Factor 2) exceeding interpersonal-affective traits (Factor 1). Higher psychopathy scores were associated with more severe criminological patterns. Anxiety, depressive symptoms and psychotic-spectrum features were independently associated with PCL-R total scores and Factor 2 traits, while anxiety showed a modest association with Factor 1. The PCL-R demonstrated acceptable to good internal consistency and high inter-rater reliability in this sample.Practical implicationsThis study informs forensic practice by highlighting how psychopathy-related traits intersect with mental health and substance use needs in custodial settings. The strong association between lifestyle-antisocial features, substance involvement and psychiatric symptoms suggests that psychopathy assessments should be integrated into broader, multidisciplinary case formulation rather than used in isolation. Routine screening for anxiety, depression, psychosis and substance misuse can help practitioners identify dynamic risk factors that are responsive to intervention. Findings support the use of targeted, needs-based treatment planning and culturally informed risk management strategies to improve institutional behavior and rehabilitation outcomes.Originality/valueThis study presents the first systematic examination of psychopathic traits within the Maldivian correctional system, highlighting how sociocultural features of a small, collectivist island context may shape their expression and interpretation.
