New research published in Law and Human Behavior has investigated the types of interview training received by Police, the use of various interview techniques, and whether they employ different techniques with adult versus juvenile suspects in an American sample. Importantly, the research found that Police officers are more likely to use the same techniques when interviewing juveniles and adults.
A recent ABC news article has highlighted the views of Western Australian Chief Justice Martin who discussed the negative impact of incarcerating individuals with a mental illness as opposed to other available options such as community service orders. To read the full article click here.
Dementia Awareness Month!
Neurodegenetative disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia and dementia due to Lewy Body Disease affect an increasing number of individuals and their families. Recent research undertaken by Alzheimer's Australia has found that persons with dementia and their carers are significantly lonelier than the general population. So, not only do individuals suffer from a range of cognitive and functional impairment, they often feel lonely and isolated.
New research by Lore Van Damme and colleagues explores factors which can influence reoffending in female prisoners and how these are linked.
Disclosing a traumatic event, whether it be something a person has witnessed or experienced first hand, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or combat in a war zone, takes great courage and can be a traumatic experience in and of itself- especially when the person receives a negative or insensitive response.
Researchers from the University of Huddersfield, led by Dr Daniel Boduszek, have conducted a large scale study of maximum security prisoners to validate the use of the new Psychopathic Personality Traits Scale (PPTS), a 20-item self-report inventory, as a measure of psychopathy. The scale was administered along with six other well established measures. The important difference about the PPTS, according to Dr Boduszek, is that the scale does not rely on background factors such as criminal history, which can play a major role in other available diagnostic tools.
Brain Injury Awareness week 2016 is here! This year the focus is on young stroke, highlighting that stroke can effect persons of all ages and impact not only the individual but their families and friends.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has launched this month! As the roll out commences, there will be a lot of changes in the industry for carers, patients, families and service providers.
The TBI Survivor blog provides a humanistic look at the life long impact and challenges of persons with a traumatic brain injury. Having suffered a TBI himself several years ago, author Jeffrey Sebell provides valuable insights from a survivor's perspective.
A series of learning modules about intellectual disability and mental disorder has now been launched on the e-learning website. This e-learning is freely available to everyone right across Australia.