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PDFOpen Access (License Unspecified), Open Access
Thesis
A survey of forensic mental health professionals with experience conducting criminal responsibility evaluations
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2014
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-6076
Abstract
Forensic mental health professionals have conducted criminal responsibility (CR) evaluations for decades; however, relatively little is known about the specific methodologies employed when conducting such evaluations. The current study surveyed 135 forensic psychologists and psychiatrists, examining components of CR evaluations, the use of psychological tests, time delay between offense date and evaluation date, and relationship between evaluator experience and opinions about CR evaluations. Results suggest very few differences between professional disciplines relating to reliance upon collateral records, number of collateral interviews conducted, and use of psychological assessment measures. Psychiatrists reported typically including a recognized psychiatric diagnosis in reports significantly more than psychologists. Respondents from both disciplines reported lengthy time delays between offense date and evaluation date, with time delays from respondents' most recent evaluations averaging almost 10 months. Experience conducting CR evaluations was positively correlated with higher levels of confidence in ability to conduct accurate CR evaluations and greater knowledge of legal standards. The vast majority of respondents reporting that they felt they could detect when an examinee was malingering. Implications and future directions are discussed. Keywords: Criminal Responsibility, Mental State at the Time of Offense
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Details
- Title
- A survey of forensic mental health professionals with experience conducting criminal responsibility evaluations
- Creators
- Megan Jean Murphy - DU
- Contributors
- David S. DeMatteo (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 6076; 991014632704804721