Eliciting an offence narrative: what types of questions do forensic mental health practitioners ask?

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Leach, Chelsea L
Brown, Francesca
Pryor, Luke
Powell, Martine
Harden, Scott
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2022
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Abstract

Maximising the accuracy and detail of information elicited through a clinical–forensic interview may increase the reliability and validity of an individual’s assessment. Despite this, there is little empirical research on what questions forensic mental health practitioners employ, and whether these correspond with empirically established interviewing strategies. In this study, 22 forensic mental health practitioners participated in a mock interview of a young person referred for a sexual risk assessment. The results highlighted that participants asked very few ‘open’ questions, over-relied on ‘specific’ questions and an average of 13% of questions were leading. Finally, practitioners predominantly used ‘yes/no’ questions when exploring the young person’s thoughts, feelings, and physiological responses. Overall, the study demonstrated that empirically supported interviewing techniques were not commonly employed and highlighted the need for further professional development and training around clinical forensic interviewing strategies that best elicit the information needed to inform risk assessment.

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Psychiatry, Psychology and Law

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Subject

Psychology

Psychiatry (incl. psychotherapy)

Criminology

Forensic psychology

Social Sciences

Science & Technology

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Criminology & Penology

Law

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Leach, CL; Brown, F; Pryor, L; Powell, M; Harden, S, Eliciting an offence narrative: what types of questions do forensic mental health practitioners ask?, Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 2022

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