Attitudes towards mentally disordered offenders
Publication Date
December 15, 2017
Creator
Abstract
BACKGROUND
This thesis provides an investigation into the assessment of attitudes towards mentally disordered offenders. Attention is paid to the adaptation and application
of a psychometric instrument designed to measure attitudes towards this population. The aim is to facilitate attitude improvement of those responsible for the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of mentally disordered offenders.
METHODOLOGY
The range of methods employed to explore this topic include a systematic review, psychometric critique, and two primary empirical research studies.
RESULTS
The systematic review yielded 534 publications, seven of which were reviewed.
Three instruments assessing attitudes towards prisoners were identified. This was followed by a critique of the most widely used psychometric; the Attitudes Toward Prisoners scale (Melvin, Gramling, & Gardener, 1985). Based upon this, the first empirical study validates an adapted version of the scale; Attitudes Towards Mentally Disordered Offenders scale (ATMDO). Analysis demonstrates a three factor structure, robust reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability) and validity. Between groups attitudinal differences are explored and a model is presented. In the second empirical research study the ATMDO demonstrates significant correlation of scores on factor one (Treatment) and three (Risk) with observed negative behaviours of staff members in forensic mental health settings.
CONCLUSIONS
The ATMDO has robust psychometric properties and demonstrates the potential for application assessing attitudes towards mentally disordered offenders within clinical settings. Findings can inform interventions targeted at staff members to improve their attitudes towards this population. Subsequently avoiding future potential for harm, improving care, treatment, and rehabilitation of mentally disordered offenders.
Item Type
ethesis
Thesis Type
DForenPsy
Supervisors
Subjects (LC)
Associated Schools / Departments
School of Medicine
eprints ID
44760
UoN Repository URI
Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
Academic Thesis - August 2017.pdf
Type
Full-text
Description
Examined. Attitudes Towards Mentally Disordered Offenders
Size
1.94 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
3aa5f008c685a11b00bca44b60885256