Dealing With Offending Behaviour (Forensic Psychology Model Answers) (Paper 3 Model Answers)

Jack has been convicted of a burglary and attends Betterway centre for young offenders. At Betterway, case workers aim to change how offenders think about their crimes by involving victims. The case workers encourage offenders to consider the wider effects of their crimes and appreciate how they should make up for what they have done wrong.

(a)  Which way of dealing with offending involves victims? ( 1 mark) 

Model Answer

The way of dealing with offending that involves victims is called restorative justice. Restorative justice aims to repair the harm caused by the offense by involving the victim, the offender, and the community in a process of dialogue, accountability, and making amends.

 

(b)  Referring to your answer to part (a), describe what a case worker might recommend in order for Jack to deal with his offending. ( 4 marks) 

Model Answer

Firstly, they could encourage Jack to actively engage in a dialogue with the victim, where he can listen to their perspective, express remorse, and understand the impact of his actions. This could involve a face-to-face meeting, mediated by the case worker, to facilitate communication and empathy between Jack and the victim.

The caseworker may also encourage Jack to take responsibility for his actions by actively participating in the process of making amends. This could involve Jack offering a sincere apology, completing community service, or participating in a restitution plan to compensate the victim for the losses they incurred.

Additionally, the caseworker might emphasise the importance of learning from the experience and making positive changes in Jack's behavior and mindset. This could involve attending rehabilitative programs, such as anger management or life skills training, to address underlying issues and develop alternative coping strategies.

By actively involving Jack in the restorative justice process and supporting his personal growth, the case worker aims to help him understand the consequences of his actions, develop empathy, and take steps towards repairing the harm caused by his offending behaviour.

 

(c)  Outline one limitation of the way of dealing with offending you have described in your answer to part (b). ( 2 marks) 

Model Answer

One limitation of the restorative justice approach described in the previous answer is that it heavily relies on the willingness and availability of the victim to participate in the process. In some cases, victims may not be open to or comfortable with engaging in direct dialogue with the offender. This could be due to fear, trauma, or a desire to move on from the incident. Without the active involvement of the victim, the restorative justice process may not be fully effective in achieving its goals of promoting accountability, understanding, and healing. In such situations, alternative approaches or interventions may need to be explored to address the offender's behavior and support their rehabilitation.

 

Peter is talking about his offending.

Peter says, “I don’t know why it happens. Sometimes when I hear people telling stupid jokes in a bar, I just get cross and punch them. I get into a rage and feel my pulse racing. If only I had another way of dealing with it. I just need to get used to controlling myself.”

Explain how an anger management therapist could help Peter.( 4 marks) 

Model Answer

An anger management therapist could help Peter in several ways. Firstly, they could assist him in recognising the triggers that lead to his anger outbursts, such as hearing certain types of jokes in a bar. By identifying these triggers, Peter can become more aware of the situations that provoke his anger and develop strategies to manage his emotional response.

The therapist could then teach Peter techniques for anger management, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or cognitive restructuring. These techniques can help him regulate his emotions, calm himself down, and prevent impulsive and aggressive behaviors. Through practice and repetition, Peter can learn to replace his automatic anger response with more constructive and controlled reactions.

Additionally, the therapist could work with Peter to explore alternative ways of dealing with his anger. This might involve helping him develop assertiveness skills, communication strategies, or problem-solving techniques. By learning healthier coping mechanisms, Peter can express his frustrations and address conflicts in a more adaptive and non-violent manner.

Furthermore, the therapist can provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment where Peter can openly discuss his feelings and experiences. This therapeutic relationship can help him gain insight into the underlying reasons for his anger and explore any past traumas or unresolved issues that may contribute to his explosive reactions.

 

Outline one strength and one limitation of anger management as a way of dealing with offending. ( 6 marks) 

Model Answer

One strength of anger management as a way of dealing with offending is that it provides individuals with practical tools and strategies to control their anger and prevent aggressive behaviors. By learning techniques such as deep breathing, relaxation exercises, and cognitive restructuring, individuals can gain a greater sense of self-control and develop alternative ways of responding to provocation or triggers. These skills can be valuable in various areas of life, not just in the context of offending. They can help individuals maintain healthier relationships, resolve conflicts peacefully, and navigate challenging situations without resorting to violence. Research studies have shown that anger management interventions can effectively reduce anger levels and aggressive behavior, indicating their potential effectiveness in addressing offending behavior.

However, one limitation of anger management as a sole approach to dealing with offending is that it may not address the underlying causes of anger or aggression. While anger management techniques can be helpful in the heat of the moment, they may not fully address the deep-seated issues that contribute to the individual's violent tendencies. Factors such as unresolved trauma, substance abuse, mental health problems, or social/environmental influences may play a significant role in fueling the anger and aggression. Therefore, it is crucial to consider anger management as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes addressing these underlying factors through therapy, counseling, or other appropriate interventions. Focusing solely on anger management without addressing the root causes may limit its long-term effectiveness in preventing reoffending and promoting lasting behavioural change.

 

A group of probation and prison officers attended a training session on how to deal with offenders. They each offered suggestions and the group leader wrote some of the suggestions on a flip chart. The table below shows some of the suggestions.

• Get him to talk about what makes him angry

• Make him do something to help the victim

• Give him points for TV time when he behaves well

• Teach him how to calm himself down

• Teach him the link between behaviour and consequences

Discuss one or more ways of dealing with offending behaviour. Refer to some of the suggestions in the table above in your answer. ( 16 marks) 

Model Answer

One way of dealing with offending behavior is through cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). More specifically, Anger Management.  This approach aligns with several of the suggestions mentioned in the table. For example, "Get him to talk about what makes him angry" and "Teach him how to calm himself down" both involve addressing and understanding the individual's triggers and developing strategies to manage their anger and emotional responses. CBT can help offenders identify and challenge their distorted thinking patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Another suggestion from the table is to "Teach him the link between behaviour and consequences." This can be achieved through behavior modification techniques, such as a system of rewards and consequences (Token Economy). For instance, "Make him do something to help the victim" encourages offenders to take responsibility for their actions and make amends. This can be done through restorative justice practices, where offenders actively participate in repairing the harm caused to victims or the community.

Furthermore, the suggestion to "Give him points for TV time when he behaves well" aligns with the principles of behavior reinforcement. By providing incentives for positive behavior, such as earning privileges, offenders are motivated to exhibit pro-social behaviors and make positive changes in their conduct.

It is important to note that while these strategies can be effective in addressing offending behaviour, they should be implemented within a comprehensive and individualised treatment plan. This plan may include therapeutic interventions, educational programs, vocational training, and social support to address the complex needs of offenders. A multi-disciplinary approach involving probation officers, therapists, and other professionals can help tailor interventions to the specific needs of each individual and provide a holistic framework for addressing offending behavior.

However, a limitation of some of the suggestions is their reliance on external rewards and punishments. For instance, the suggestion to give points for TV time when the offender behaves well may reinforce a transactional and extrinsic motivation system. While this may initially encourage positive behavior, it does not necessarily address the intrinsic motivation and personal growth needed for sustainable change. Over time, the effectiveness of external rewards may diminish, and offenders may revert to previous behaviors if the rewards are no longer available. Therefore, a more comprehensive approach should focus on fostering internal motivation, self-regulation, and a genuine desire for personal transformation.

Additionally, it is crucial to consider the individual differences and diverse needs of offenders when implementing these strategies. Not all approaches will be equally effective for everyone, as factors such as age, background, and personality can influence the response to specific interventions. Therefore, a personalised and tailored approach that takes into account the unique circumstances and challenges of each offender is essential. This requires skilled and trained professionals who can assess, adapt, and modify the interventions based on the specific needs of the individuals they work with.

 

Discuss the psychological effects of custodial sentencing.

(Total 16 marks)

Model Answer

Custodial sentencing, as a form of punishment, can have significant psychological effects on individuals. One notable effect is institutionalisation, where the prison environment leads to a loss of autonomy and the conformity to prescribed roles and routines. This can create a dependency culture among inmates, making it challenging for them to adjust to life outside of prison. Additionally, custodial sentencing can contribute to the process of brutalisation, where the prison environment reinforces a criminal lifestyle and criminal norms. This can result in high recidivism rates, with approximately 70% of young offenders re-offending within two years of their release.

Another psychological effect of custodial sentencing is the prevalence of psychological problems and psychiatric disorders within prison populations. The restrictive and stressful prison environment can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide. Studies, like Zimbardo's prison experiment, have demonstrated the negative psychological effects of imprisonment, highlighting the impact of confinement on individuals' well-being. Furthermore, the process of labeling individuals as criminals can lead to the loss of social contacts and reduced employability, which further hinders their reintegration into society and increases the likelihood of re-offending.

Additionally, it is important to consider the long-term impact of custodial sentencing on individuals and society. One limitation of custodial sentencing is its potential to perpetuate a cycle of criminal behavior. By removing individuals from their communities and subjecting them to the negative environment of prisons, there is a risk of reinforcing criminal norms and behaviors. This can result in a higher likelihood of re-offending upon release, contributing to the overall problem of recidivism. The lack of opportunities for education, skill-building, and rehabilitation within the prison system may further hinder the successful reintegration of individuals into society, making it more difficult for them to lead law-abiding lives after their sentence.

It is important to acknowledge that custodial sentencing may also offer some positive psychological effects, such as opportunities for treatment, rehabilitation, and remorse. However, when evaluating the psychological effects of custodial sentencing, it is crucial to consider certain factors. Firstly, establishing a direct causal relationship between imprisonment and psychological problems can be challenging, as prisoners with pre-existing psychiatric conditions may already have experienced difficulties prior to their incarceration. Secondly, some argue that prevention is a better approach, focusing on alternatives to custodial sentencing to avoid the negative consequences of labeling and the detrimental effects of imprisonment on individuals' well-being. Finally, there is a need for selectivity in sentencing, as a small percentage of repeat offenders are responsible for a significant portion of crimes. Targeting resources towards intensive supervision and rehabilitation for these high-risk individuals may be more effective in reducing recidivism rates compared to blanket custodial sentencing.

Moreover, custodial sentencing may have unintended consequences on the families and loved ones of those incarcerated. The separation and disruption of familial ties can have profound psychological effects not only on the individuals serving their sentences but also on their family members. The emotional strain, social stigma, and financial hardships experienced by families can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and potentially contribute to intergenerational cycles of offending.

Another important consideration is the cost-effectiveness of custodial sentencing. Maintaining prisons and providing necessary resources for a large incarcerated population can be a significant financial burden on society. Allocating resources towards preventive measures, community-based rehabilitation programs, and alternative sentencing options may prove to be a more efficient use of resources and contribute to better long-term outcomes in terms of reducing re-offending rates.

 

(a)     Following a series of riots in cities all over England, a politician was interviewed on the radio. He said, ‘Rioters and looters should be sent to prison. We must send a clear message that this sort of behaviour is not acceptable. Society expects such behaviour to be severely punished.’

Briefly discuss two roles of custodial sentencing identified in the politician’s statement. ( 4 marks) 

Model Answer

Deterrence involves the use of prison as a negative reinforcement, aiming to deter both the individual offender and others in society from engaging in similar behavior. The idea is that experiencing the negative consequences of imprisonment will discourage offenders from repeating their actions in the future. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of deterrence is often questioned, as high recidivism rates indicate that prison alone does not always succeed in deterring offenders from reoffending. Furthermore, the influence of vicarious learning, where individuals observe their peers going to prison, can impact deterrence to some extent.

Retribution, on the other hand, focuses on society exacting revenge for unacceptable conduct. It seeks to punish offenders as a means of satisfying the moral outrage of society and reestablishing the sense of justice. However, retribution does not address the underlying causes of criminal behavior or contribute to the offender's rehabilitation and behavior change. Critics argue that alternatives to straightforward punishment, such as restorative justice approaches, may offer more meaningful outcomes by addressing the harm caused by the offense and facilitating offender accountability and restoration.

While custodial sentencing can serve as a form of incapacitation by removing offenders from society, it is important to recognize that this role is temporary in most cases. Once individuals are released, they can still engage in criminal behavior, indicating that incapacitation alone does not guarantee long-term public safety.

 

Experts have different views about how to deal with recidivism. Some believe that custodial sentencing is the best way of reducing re-offending; others think that prison may not be the solution and that there are better alternatives. There is also much debate about whether treatment programmes reduce re-offending.

Discuss ways of dealing with the problem of recidivism. Refer to the views outlined above in your answer.

(Total 16 marks)

Model Answer

Dealing with the problem of recidivism, or the tendency of offenders to reoffend, is a complex issue that elicits different views among experts. One perspective argues that custodial sentencing, or imprisonment, is the best way to reduce recidivism. This view is rooted in the belief that removing offenders from society and subjecting them to the punitive environment of prison serves as a deterrent and incapacitates them, thereby preventing further criminal behavior. Proponents of this approach argue that the strict control and supervision within prison walls can help break the cycle of reoffending.

On the other hand, there is an opposing view that prison may not be the most effective solution to address recidivism. Critics of custodial sentencing argue that it fails to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior and does not adequately prepare offenders for reintegration into society. They advocate for alternative approaches that focus on rehabilitation, treatment, and community-based interventions. These alternatives aim to address the factors contributing to criminal behavior, such as substance abuse, mental health issues, lack of education, or unemployment. By providing offenders with support, skills, and opportunities, these approaches seek to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

The effectiveness of treatment programs in reducing recidivism is another area of debate. Some experts argue that evidence-based treatment programs, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, substance abuse treatment, or vocational training, can significantly decrease recidivism rates by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and promoting positive change. These programs aim to enhance offenders' problem-solving skills, develop prosocial attitudes, and equip them with the necessary tools to reintegrate into society successfully.

However, skeptics highlight the challenges in assessing the true impact of treatment programs on recidivism rates. Factors such as the quality and availability of programs, adherence to treatment, and individual motivation and commitment can influence their effectiveness. Additionally, the long-term follow-up and evaluation of program outcomes can be challenging, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about their effectiveness in reducing recidivism.

Another point of discussion regarding the ways of dealing with recidivism is the importance of a holistic and individualised approach. While custodial sentencing and treatment programs have their merits, it is essential to recognize that each offender has unique circumstances and needs. Adopting a one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective in addressing the complex factors that contribute to an individual's reoffending behavior.

By taking a holistic approach, interventions can target the multiple dimensions of an offender's life, such as their social, economic, and psychological well-being. This may involve providing access to educational opportunities, vocational training, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and support for housing and employment upon release. By addressing these underlying factors, the chances of successful rehabilitation and reducing the likelihood of reoffending can be enhanced.

Additionally, an individualised approach acknowledges the importance of tailoring interventions to meet the specific needs of offenders. This means considering factors such as age, gender, cultural background, and risk level when designing and implementing interventions. For example, young offenders may benefit from specialized programs that address their developmental needs and provide opportunities for positive peer interaction. Offenders with a history of substance abuse may require comprehensive treatment programs that address their addiction issues alongside other rehabilitative efforts.

 

One role of a custodial sentence is to deprive an offender of his or her freedom. In this way, at least for the duration of the sentence, the offender is no longer able to offend and is no longer a threat to the public.

Briefly outline two other roles that a custodial sentence might serve.(2 marks) 

Model Answer

Deterrence involves using the punishment of imprisonment as a means to discourage both the offender and others in society from committing similar offenses. By witnessing the negative consequences of imprisonment, potential offenders may be dissuaded from engaging in criminal behavior.

Rehabilitation, on the other hand, aims to address the underlying factors contributing to the offender's criminal behavior and provide them with the necessary tools and support to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens. It focuses on transforming the offender's attitudes, behaviours, and skills to reduce the risk of reoffending upon release.

 

Describe and evaluate anger management as a treatment for offending. Refer to evidence in your answer.

(Total 16 marks)

Model Answer

Anger management is a type of cognitive therapy developed by Novaco (1975) and is often used as a treatment for offending behavior. It involves three stages: cognitive preparation, skills acquisition, and application practice. In the cognitive preparation stage, the offender learns to recognise anger and identify triggers that lead to anger. In the skills acquisition stage, techniques are taught to control and reduce the anger response, such as self-talk and deep breathing. Finally, in the application practice stage, anger-provoking situations are roleplayed, and the newly acquired skills are applied.

There have been several studies conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of anger management as a treatment for offending behavior. For example, Ireland (2000) and Ireland (2004) found that anger management programs resulted in significant improvements in anger control and reduction in aggressive behavior among offenders. Feindler (1984) also reported positive outcomes in terms of anger reduction and increased social competence. Additionally, studies by Law (1997) and Loza & Loza-Fanous (1999) highlighted the potential of anger management as a valuable tool in reducing recidivism rates.

However, there are limitations to consider when evaluating anger management as a treatment for offending.

Firstly, its effectiveness may vary depending on the individual's commitment and effort. Some offenders may not fully engage in the treatment process, which could limit its effectiveness. Moreover, anger management programs require trained specialists, and their availability can be limited. This restricts the widespread implementation of such programs. It's also important to note that anger management may not be suitable or effective for all types of offenders, as not all offenders exhibit anger-related issues.

Finally, while studies have shown positive results within controlled environments, the generalisation of skills learned in anger management programs to real-life situations outside of custody can be challenging.

Another aspect to consider when evaluating anger management as a treatment for offending behavior is its comparison with other ways of dealing with offenders. While anger management focuses specifically on addressing anger-related issues, there are alternative approaches such as behavior modification and restorative justice. Behavior modification techniques aim to shape behavior through positive reinforcement and punishment, targeting specific behaviors rather than solely focusing on anger. Restorative justice, on the other hand, emphasises repairing the harm caused by the offense and promoting accountability and dialogue between the offender, victim, and community.

The choice of treatment approach should take into account the individual needs and characteristics of the offender, as well as the nature of the offense committed. Some offenders may benefit more from behavior modification techniques if their offending behavior is not primarily driven by anger. Restorative justice approaches may be particularly effective in cases where the emphasis is on repairing relationships and addressing the underlying causes of the offense. Therefore, it is important to consider the strengths and limitations of each approach and tailor the treatment to the specific needs and circumstances of the offender.

 

CHECK OUT THE OTHER MODEL ANSWERS FOR FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY HERE. 

 

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