understanding individual offender: psychological formulations

Question 1

what is a forensic psychologist

Answer 1

• psychologist who works with offenders
• uses psychology to help with criminal investigations
• understands criminal behaviour and related problems
• helps with treatment of people who commit crimes

Question 2

what is psychological formulation

Answer 2

• way to understand a person’s difficulties
• looks at relationships, biological, and social factors
• considers life events and how they were interpreted
• helps to make sense of someone’s behaviour

Question 3

what is offence analysis

Answer 3

• involves analysing a crime and assessing the offender
• helps to understand the crime and the person who committed it
• leads to a psychological formulation

Question 4

what is case formulation

Answer 4

• uses info from offence analysis and assessment
• applies theory to create a treatment plan*
• helps guide intervention and treatment for offenders

Question 5

what is the role of forensic psychologists

Answer 5

• assess offenders and create a formulation
• carry out interventions based on the formulation
• two key elements: offence analysis and case formulation

Question 6

why do psychologists assess offenders after conviction

Answer 6

• to understand why they committed the crime
• helps decide if they’re safe to be released
• informs treatment and prevention of future offending

Question 7

what is psychological formulation in forensic psychology

Answer 7

• assesses what influenced an offender’s behaviour
• looks at relationships, biological/social factors, and life events
• creates a “personal story” to understand the offender’s behaviour

Question 8

how does psychological theory relate to formulation

Answer 8

• draws on theories like cognitive, psychodynamic, and behavioural
• helps explain why the person behaved the way they did
• links thought processes, early experiences, and rewards/punishments

Question 9

how does a psychological formulation help with treatment

Answer 9

• creates a tailored treatment plan
• focuses on areas where the offender needs more support
• helps develop skills to prevent future offending

Question 10

how do triggers affect an offender’s decision to act violently

Answer 10

• triggers could include alcohol, crowded places, or feeling out of control
• specific situations can set off violent reactions based on past experiences

Question 11

how do early experiences influence violent behaviour

Answer 11

• being raised in an environment where violence was used to solve problems can lead to violent reactions
• experiences like bullying can shape the way someone handles conflict

Question 12

what are core beliefs and how do they influence behaviour

Answer 12

• core beliefs are fundamental thoughts that drive our behaviour
• beliefs like “violence prevents people from taking advantage of me” can influence actions
• past experiences (e.g. family or bullying) often shape these core beliefs

Question 13

how does psychological formulation link past experiences to current behaviour

Answer 13

• the formulation connects past experiences (e.g. bullying) to current reactions
• shows how memories or feelings from the past can trigger violent responses in specific situations

Question 14

how does psychological formulation explain seemingly impulsive offences

Answer 14

• formulation reveals background factors that influence behaviour
• what seems like an impulsive action might have deeper triggers
• understanding the individual’s history helps explain their choice to act violently

Question 15

how do formulations help explain an offender’s behaviour

Answer 15

• simplifies complex information
• shows factors influencing the offender’s behaviour
• helps professionals make decisions about the individual’s future

Question 16

how do formulations help offenders understand their actions

Answer 16

• explains to the offender what led to their offence
• helps them understand their behaviour patterns
• supports them in managing future situations

Question 17

why are formulations important in supporting behavioural change

Answer 17

• a key first step in helping offenders make changes
• gives insight into triggers and past influences
• can guide them towards better decision-making

Question 18

what challenges can arise when undertaking formulations

Answer 18

• difficult to gather all relevant information
• relies on the offender remembering significant events
• requires the offender to be willing to share personal details

Question 19

how do medical or mental health diagnoses affect formulations

Answer 19

• formulations may include known diagnoses
• unknown disorders, like undiagnosed biological factors, might influence behaviour
• limited access to information can restrict the formulation’s accuracy