6.1.4 Psychological Case Formulation

Question 1

Why is it used?

Answer 1

• Set of explanations of the individuals behaviour
• Develop treatments/interventions
• Unusual crimes and recidivism

Question 2

Phase 1

Answer 2

Offence Analysis
- Try to work out reasons behind offending behaviour
- Crimogenic factors
- E.g. drug misuse
- Reduce risk of recidivism
- Offence paralleling, both internal and external motivations

Question 3

Phase 1 Strength

Answer 3

Mcknight
- Case formulation can identify correct treatments

Question 4

Phase 1 Strength

Answer 4

Credibility
- Research and assessments based on test scores
- Objective and bias free
- Valid data

Question 5

Phase 1 Weakness

Answer 5

Criticism
- However it uses self report from questionnaires
- People may lie for social desirability

Question 6

Phase 2

Answer 6

Risk Analysis and Perspectives
- How it benefits the offender
- Theoretical links
- E.g. SLT bad role models
- Both best case and worse scenario if released

Question 7

Phase 2 Strength

Answer 7

Credibility
-Holistic
- Considers many aspects
- Individualistic approach
- Learn more about complex behaviours

Question 8

Phase 2 Weakness

Answer 8

Chadwick
- Lots of disagreement about the theoretical aspect
- Subjective and may not be accurate based on who’s doing it

Question 9

Phase 3

Answer 9

Application to Treatment
- Choose based on how the offending began
- E.g. CBT
- Likelihood of recidivism
- Chance of sticking to program

Question 10

Phase 3 Strength

Answer 10

Application
- Reduce recidivism
- Better society
- Better life for offender

Question 11

Phase 3 Weakness

Answer 11

Schlute et al
- Some treatments are so effective that psych formation adds nothing
- Less effective than flooding