Where has all the psychology gone?

Abstract

(2014) Where has all the psychology gone? A critical review of evidence-based psychological practice in correctional settings. Aggression and Violent Behavior., 19 (4 WHERE HAS ALL THE PSYCHOLOGY GONE?2! Abstract Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is the gold standard for effective clinical psychological practice. In this review we examine the basic tenets of EBP and consider how-in the context of psychological treatment provision-EBP is able to subsume the overarching guiding theory of offender rehabilitation adopted by correctional policy makers and psychologists worldwide (i.e., the Risk-Need-Responsivity Model, RNR;Andrews & Bonta, 2010a). We also examine ways in which, under the backdrop of RNR, EBP tenets are typically being neglected by correctional psychologists. We examine three key aspects of EBP currently being neglected by correctional psychologists: (a) individualized and flexible client focus, (b) the therapeutic alliance, and (c) psychological expertise. We also highlight two highly related issues responsible for psychologistsÕ neglect of EBP within corrections. The first relates to the dual-relationship problem.That is, the tension that psychologists experience as a result of engaging in psychological practice whilst also obliging the risk and security orientated policies of correctional systems. The second relates to psychologistsÕ response to this tension. In short, psychology, as a discipline appears to have acquiesced to the dual-relationship problem.In our view, this constitutes a ÔcrisisÕ for the discipline of correctional psychology and for the provision of best practice treatment within correctional settings. We offer several recommendations for injecting EBP back into correctional psychology for the individual, psychology as a discipline, and correctional policy makers.Key words: Evidence Based Practice, Risk Need Responsivity, Corrections, SciencePractice Gap. WHERE HAS ALL THE PSYCHOLOGY GONE? 3!Where has all the Psychology Gone? A Critical Review of Evidence-Based Psychological Practice in Correctional SettingsThe role of the correctional or forensic psychologist has evolved steadily from decades of struggle between punishment and rehabilitation proponents. Ultimately, the psychologist has secured an important role in contemporary western world corrections.Yet despite correctional psychology having evolved over many decades, we believe that the correctional psychology discipline is facing a crisis. In this manuscript, we highlight one fundamental aspect underpinning this crisis-that is, the correctional psychologistsÕ mounting neglect of Evidence Based Practice (EBP). The lack of attention to EBP within such a highly important field is potentially harmful not only to the profession of psychology but also to society who must inevitably deal with the devastating effects of re-offending associated with inadequate psychological treatment.In this manuscript, we examine (1) the development of the modern day correctional psychologist; paying particular attention to the highly popular Risk Nee...

Forensic psychologists should use the behavioral experiment to facilitate cognitive change in clients who have offended

“…This technique is likely to be of particular value in forensic settings where rational propositional approaches are likely to hold even less 'change' potential due to (1) a lack of motivation to engage with work that appears patronizing and 'school like', (2) a lack of trust in psychology professionals' suggestions and proposals of alternative cognition (Gannon & Ward, 2014), and (3) the low reported verbal reasoning abilities of forensic populations (Bellair, McNulty, & Piquero, 2014;Jones, 2013).…”

“…However, numerous studies show that specialized CBT leads to reductions in attitudes supporting child sexual offending behavior (Beech et al, 1998;Bumby, 1996;Watson & Stermac, 1994) and antisocial attitudes supporting a range of offending behaviors (e.g., Cullen, Clarke, Kuipers, Hodgins, Dean, & Fahy, 2012;Gannon et al, 2014;Valliant & Antonowicz, 1991;Yessine & Kroner, 2004). Nevertheless, while reductions in offensesupportive attitudes reported across these studies are positive, associated effect sizes are generally modest suggesting that reductions in offense-supportive cognition could be further improved (see Beech et al, 1998 for one exception).…”

“…Importantly, the BE provides the forensic psychologist with a meaningful opportunity to develop the client's sense of autonomy as well as a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship; a factor often lacking within forensic contexts yet highly associated with effective therapy (Ackerman & Hilsenroth, 2003;Beech & Hamilton-Giachritis, 2005;Elvins & Green, 2008;Gannon & Ward, 2014;Marshall & Burton, 2010, Norcross, 2002.…”

“…For example, problematic cognitions relating to self esteem (e.g., "I am disliked by other people", "I fail at everything I do") will influence an individual's ability to gain and maintain a satisfactory relationship (a criminogenic need; Andrews & Bonta, 2010;Hanson & Morton-Bourgon, 2005;Mann, Hanson, & Thornton, 2010) and also impede an individual's ability to engage in treatment through forming a cohesive bond with group members. A variety of cognitions can impact upon life quality and/ or responsivity to treatment including those relating to trauma (Clark, Tyler, Gannon, & Kingham, 2014;Gray et al, 2003;Latessa, Johnson, Listwan, & Koetzie, 2014;Looman & Abracen, 2013), mental illness (e.g., psychoses, anxiety disorders, clinical depression; Latessa et al, 2014;Looman & Abracen, 2013), shame and associated low self-esteem (Marshall et al, 2011;Marshall et al, 1999), motivation (Latessa et al, 2014;Yates, 2009), and mistrust of professionals (Gannon & Ward, 2014). Such issues may exacerbate criminogenic needs associated with offending behavior (e.g., self management, inappropriate sexual arousal, problems establishing intimacy, Andrews & Bonta, 2010;Hanson & Morton-Bourgon, 2005) and increase treatment BEHAVIORAL EXPERIMENT 8 drop out (see Table 1 for examples of cognitions falling into this area).…”

“…Within forensic psychology, in particular, therapists can easily fall into the trap of failing to undertake complex experiential techniques associated with cognitive restructuring due to the challenging nature of both their client group and the risk aversive context in which they work (see Gannon & Ward, 2014). Consequently, psychologists can find themselves developing relapse prevention plans replete with useful distractions and behavioral components (e.g., watching television, going to the gym, relaxation techniques) that do little to reformulate or correct the faulty belief system associated with offending BEHAVIORAL EXPERIMENT 14 behavior (see also Wells, 1997).…”