Risk Factors of Early Adolescence in the Criminal Career of Polish Offenders in the Light of Life Course Theory

Life course theory (LCT) diagnoses childhood and adolescent factors that determine an individual’s involvement in crime in the future. Farrington lists eight key correlates identified by empirical analyses of criminal careers. In this paper, we seek to discuss the inconsistencies with LCT that we observed in our three empirical studies of the criminal careers of Polish offenders. During 12 years of qualitative research, we conducted direct observations and in-depth interviews in juvenile correction institutions (21) and prisons (8) across the country. We gained access to incarcerated (102) and released (30) juvenile offenders, as well as to incarcerated (68) and released (28) adult offenders. We also conducted in-depth interviews (92) with experts working with young and adult offenders. We similarly accessed some offenders’ criminal records and psychological opinions. Our study revealed the strong presence of family and neighborhood influences on early criminality. Contrary to LCT assumptions, state-dependent institutions (military, work, family) were not strong enough determinants of delinquency. Polish offenders generally experience criminal onset later than LCT-oriented criminologists indicate. Based on our data, we also agree with the thesis that the onset of crime should be discussed as different age-related periods rather than just a general onset.

Age-Graded Transitions and Turning Points in Polish Offenders' Criminal Careers from the Standpoint of Life Course Theory

Both juvenile and adult criminal careers show regularities in the origins of delinquency, the dynamics of the criminal pathway, and the turning points that lead to desistance/persistence in crime. Research shows that family, education, and friendship environments contribute significantly to the individual choices that create criminal biographies. Our aim was to apply core aspects of life course theory (LCT): trajectory, the aged-graded process, transitions, institutions, and ultimately how desistance/persistence factor into explaining the criminal careers of Polish offenders. The research is based on in-depth interviews (130) carried out with both offenders (90) and experts (40). The offenders were divided into two groups: 30 were juveniles, and 60 were adults of whom half were sentenced for the first time (30) and half were recidivists (30) located in correctional institutions or released. The experts group (40) includes psychologists, educators, social rehabilitators, and prison and juvenile detention personnel working with offenders. We used triangulation of researcher, data, and methodology. Our data revealed that similar biographical experiences characterized by an early socialization, family and friends-based circles laid the groundwork for their entry and continued participation in criminal activity. Juvenile and adult first-time sentenced offenders led criminal careers significantly different from those of recidivists, who faced problems with social adaptation caused by lack of family and institutional support.

Evaluation of emergency medical services staff knowledge in breaking bad news to patients

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate knowledge of breaking bad news (BBN) among medical personnel in the emergency medical services (EMS).

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 148 individuals employed in EMS. An interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire.

Results

Of study participants, 89.2% were not aware of any formal BBN procedure and 58.1% had not participated in any form of training. Compared with males, females were more likely to report that dealing with the emotional state of the family or the patient was the most difficult aspect of BBN. Only a few participants were aware of the SPIKES protocol for BBN, and none knew what the acronym meant. Sex, educational level, occupation, work experience and workplace were not associated with knowledge of BBN procedures.

Conclusions

Knowledge of BBN in both male and female EMS staff was insufficient. EMS personnel held different opinions about the method of BBN. Even staff who have participated in specific BBN training or have extensive professional experience were pessimistic about BBN skills in self-assessments.

A Novel, Very Short Questionnaire As a Screening Tool For Depression

Introduction

Self-assessment tools are frequently used as screening tools for depression. However, they are usually long and time-consuming.

Aim of the study

To assess specificity, sensitivity and overall accuracy of a novel, very short, 5 questions tool.

Subjects and methods

The questionnaire consists of 3 phenomenological (based on main symptoms of depression) and 2 questions to assess functional impact of the symptoms. One hundred and ninety patients diagnosed clinically as having major depression (according to ICD-10 criteria and with the help of MINI tool) filled the questionnaire in twice, during episode and remission.

Results

At least two (out of three possible) “yes” answers to phenomenological questions and both two “yes” functional answers yielded 100% specificity (no person in remission). At least one “yes” answer to phenomenological questions and both “yes” answers to functional question yielded 82.8% specificity, 83.7% sensitivity and 83,3% overall accuracy. These results varied insignificantly in subgroups with different depression severity.

Conclusion

A short, 5-question questionnaire may be used as a screening tool for depression. Specificity, sensitivity and overall accuracy are above 80% largely independently of depression severity.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.