An investigation of ‘don't know’ and ‘direct explanation’ response styles on the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale: A comparison of three different vulnerable adult groups

The relationship of compliance with immediate and delayed suggestibility and types of resistant behavioral responses in children aged 10-15 years

This study examined the relationship of compliance with immediate and delayed suggestibility and types of resistant behavioral responses (RBRs) in 454 children (10-15 years) using the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS 2) and a slightly adapted version of the Gudjonsson Compliance Scale (GCS). The GCS was found to have satisfactory internal consistency with this age group. Immediate suggestibility and delayed suggestibility were significantly correlated (small effect size). Compliance was most strongly correlated with Yield 1 (large effect size) and Yield 2 (medium effect size) and only modestly with Shift and delayed suggestibility (both small effect size). Of both theoretical and practical importance was the finding that out of the three resistant behavioral responses (RBRs) where misleading questions were not yielded to, 'direct explanation' and 'no answers' were the only salient predictors of compliance. 'Do not know' answers were found to have the weakest association with compliance. The current findings help better understand the complex relationship of compliance with immediate suggestibility (i.e., Yield and Shift), RBRs, and delayed suggestibility in children. The findings have important implications for future studies as well as interview practice.

Identification and support of autistic individuals within the UK Criminal Justice System: a practical approach based upon professional consensus with input from lived experience

BACKGROUND

Autism spectrum disorder (hereafter referred to as autism) is characterised by difficulties with (i) social communication, social interaction, and (ii) restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours. Estimates of autism prevalence within the criminal justice system (CJS) vary considerably, but there is evidence to suggest that the condition can be missed or misidentified within this population. Autism has implications for an individual's journey through the CJS, from police questioning and engagement in court proceedings through to risk assessment, formulation, therapeutic approaches, engagement with support services, and long-term social and legal outcomes.

METHODS

This consensus based on professional opinion with input from lived experience aims to provide general principles for consideration by United Kingdom (UK) CJS personnel when working with autistic individuals, focusing on autistic offenders and those suspected of offences. Principles may be transferable to countries beyond the UK. Multidisciplinary professionals and two service users were approached for their input to address the effective identification and support strategies for autistic individuals within the CJS.

RESULTS

The authors provide a consensus statement including recommendations on the general principles of effective identification, and support strategies for autistic individuals across different levels of the CJS.

CONCLUSION

Greater attention needs to be given to this population as they navigate the CJS.

What does current science tell us about the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of intoxicated witnesses? A case example of the murder of a prime minister

Generally, the testimony of intoxicated witnesses has been considered relatively unreliable, but recent research has nuanced the knowledge base regarding these vulnerable witnesses.

ADHD and offending

OBJECTIVES

International studies have reported disproportionately higher rates of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among youth and adult offenders across police custody, prison, probation and forensic mental health settings, estimated to fall at around 25%. This review aimed to investigate the presentation and vulnerabilities of this subpopulation of people with ADHD compared to those with ADHD in the general population and consider how this may impact on the approach to assessment and treatment in this population.

METHODOLOGY

A selective review of the extant literature was conducted to investigate how offenders with ADHD may present differently from their non-ADHD peers in their clinical presentation, criminogenic behaviour and psychological vulnerabilities.

RESULTS

Nearly all (around 96%) offenders with ADHD have additional comorbid problems, including mood, anxiety, conduct, substance use and personality disorders. Compared with offenders without ADHD, they become involved in the criminal justice system (CJS) at a younger age, have higher rates of recidivism, are more likely to make a false confession, engage in behavioural disturbances in custody, have health risk behaviours and a lower quality of life. Assessing and treating ADHD in this subpopulation may be more complex due to their presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Offenders with ADHD are disadvantaged within the system by their ADHD symptoms being unrecognised and/or misunderstood; their diagnosis of ADHD may be missed or misdiagnosed. This is at cost to the individual, from both a health and rehabilitative perspective, as well as more broadly to society.