Juvenile Forensic Psychopathology

Course goals

Aims

Gain knowledge of, and insight into, the relationship between psychopathological development and relevant risk factors in the development of delinquent behavior.

General:
Students who have completed this course:

• Have knowledge of and insight into the presence and development of underlying mental disorders that may lead to the development of delinquent behavior
• Have insight in various criminogenic factors that, based on empirical research, increase the risk for recidivism.
• Will, on the basis of the knowledge referred to above, be able to define treatment implications for young people who come into contact with the police and the criminal justice system (or are at risk of doing so) due to their problem behavior.

More specifically:
Students who have completed this course have knowledge and understanding of:

• The most prevalent disorders in forensic psychology.
• Academic research into the relationship between psychopathology and the risk of violent crimes and recidivism.
• The development of psychopathology and links to delinquent behavior and recidivism in the most prevalent disorders in forensic psychology.
• Underlying criminogenic factors which may influence recidivism risk and how to measure them using risk assessment instruments with which recidivism can be estimated in an individual.
• The implications for treatment.

Relation between assessment and objective:
Students’ knowledge and understanding of the specific aspects of psychopathology in the field of forensics, the analysis of the factors which influence recidivism risk, and the connection with treatment will be assessed by means of a paper assignment.

Content

Topics are covered that offer clinical insights into the psychopathology in the field of forensics. Attention will be paid to explanatory models, risk assessment, and implications for treatment. During the small group sessions students work on 1) practicing analyses of the scientific literature on the relation between psychopathology and risk of violent recidivism, 2) structured risk assessment based on case studies, 3) presentations, 4) integrating literature and clinical insights and using the RNR model, and 5) advising treatment.

Students will choose 1 disorder to focus on in their paper assignment. 

Please note:
The course will only be offered on campus, online participation is not possible.

The entire course will be taught in English. This also includes the assignments.