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Dr Katie Dhingra
Reader
Katie is a reader in psychology. Her research largely focuses on suicide and self-harm. She is particularly interested in the psychosocial mechanisms underlying suicide and self-harm, and traits related to the risk of engagement in these behaviours.
About
Katie is a reader in psychology. Her research largely focuses on suicide and self-harm. She is particularly interested in the psychosocial mechanisms underlying suicide and self-harm, and traits related to the risk of engagement in these behaviours.
Katie is a Reader in Psychology at Leeds Beckett University and is an Honorary Research Fellow in Psychology and Mental Health at the University of Manchester. Katie is a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society (CPsychol since 2013) and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS since 2013).
Her research largely focuses on suicide and self-harm. She is particularly interested in the psychosocial mechanisms underlying suicide and self-harm, and traits related to the risk of engagement in these behaviours.
Katie joined Leeds Beckett University in 2015, having previously worked as a lecturer in Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, and a research assistant at the University of Huddersfield. She was awarded her PhD in psychology from the University of Sheffield in 2012.
Katie serves on the editorial boards of Psychiatry Research, BMC Psychiatry (Causes, Treatment and Prevention of Suicide Section), and Psychiatry Research Communications. She is also the former Editor-in-Chief (September 2015-2022) of the Journal of Criminal Psychology (ISSN 2009-3829). She regularly reviews for a variety of high-impact behavioural, psychological, and criminological journals. She is a member of several international specialised societies and associations in her fields of interest and expertise.
Degrees
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United KingdomMaster of Science (MSc) in Occupational Psychology
University of Hertfordshire, United KingdomBachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology
University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Certifications
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE)
University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom
Related links
LBU strategic research themes
Research interests
Katie's research is predominately focused on advancing the understanding of why people behave in ways that are harmful to themselves, with an emphasis on suicide and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Her research is multi-disciplinary in nature and uses a range of methodological approaches to understand better how these behaviours develop and how to intervene and prevent their occurrence.
She is also interested in psychological responses to trauma, and victim blame in rape cases, with a specific focus on Rape Myth Acceptance.
Publications (109)
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Background: Justice-involved individuals are at elevated risk for suicidal behavior; however, research examining risk for suicidal behavior in pretrial jail diversion programs (pretrial diversion) is limited. Aims: We aimed to test 1) associations between depressive symptoms and alcohol and drug use, and suicide attempt history (SAH), and 2) interactions between depressive symptoms and alcohol and drug use in relation to SAH among adults in an urban pretrial jail diversion program. Method: The design was cross-sectional, including self-report assessments and file reviews of historical information. Adults ( N = 274; M age = 33.72; 73.7% men; 52.6% Non- Hispanic Black) completed assessments within two weeks of beginning the pretrial program. Results: Depressive symptoms were positively associated with SAH after adjusting for other covariates. The significant depressive symptoms by alcohol use interaction indicated that adults with low to average depressive symptoms evidenced a similar likelihood of SAH to those with high depressive symptoms when they also had elevated alcohol use scores. Limitations: We used cross-sectional self-report data. Conclusion: It may be important to conduct suicide risk assessments for justice involved people who use alcohol even when depressive symptoms are low.
© 2015 Elsevier Ltd. The notion that high levels of psychopathic trait leads to career success in the business sector has become a popular point of theorising in recent years, with research providing support for the alleged overrepresentation of psychopathy in the financial sector, and the existence of a relationship between psychopathy and professional success. A cross-sectional design was employed to compare psychopathy scores of business and psychology students, as well as to examine the psychopathy-academic success relationship. Participates were 263 participants recruited from a UK university. Results revealed greater psychopathic traits in business students relative to psychology students on all four factors of psychopathy. Furthermore, hierarchical multiple regression indicated that the four psychopathy factors, gender, age, study hours, and course explain 14% of variance in grade outcome. Two variables made unique statistic contributions to the model with antisocial behaviour and gender (male) negatively related to grade outcome. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Measure
Background. Identifying the psychological predictors of suicide risk is essential because these variables may be amenable to change in treatment, unlike demographic or historical factors. Aims. The aim of this study was to examine the predictors of past two-week suicidal ideation for males and females separately. Method. Participants were 1184 healthy adults who completed an online survey. Results. A significant association between suicidal ideation and gender was found, such that mean levels were significantly higher in females than males. Separate regression analyses accounted for significant amounts of variance in suicide ideation, 54% for males and 68% for females. Moreover, the analyses revealed that suicide resilience Factor 2 (Emotional Stability) was a protective factor for both males and females; however, defeat, goal disengagement, and depression were independently associated with suicide ideation in males but not females. By contrast, entrapment, perceived burdensomeness, and hopelessness Factor 3 (Future Expectations) were significant risk factors only in females. Conclusions. The findings have clinical and practical implications, which may guide future practice, and supports the notion of targeted prevention and intervention strategies.
There is a need for research exploring postgraduate research students’ expectations from research supervisors, the characteristics of effective student-supervisor relationships, and the opinions of students and supervisors about research supervision. We also need instruments to explore the student-supervisor relationship. The present study investigated postgraduate research students’ and research supervisors’ views about postgraduate research supervision and the student supervisor relationship. It also reports on factor analysis conducted to identify the underlying dimensions in their views about postgraduate research supervision and the student supervisor relationship. Such information can be used to develop strategies to promote student-supervisor relationships and enhance the student experience. Data were collected using an online questionnaire with 30 Likert-scale statements from 131 postgraduate research students and 77 supervisors. Following exploratory factor analysis, a three factor model consisting of leaderhip, knowledge, and support was extracted. Results indicate that students and supervisors agree about the attributes of effective supervision. Both supervisors and students consider that a supervisor should have an interest in the student’s research. The supervisor must provide timely and constructive feedback and should help the student to manage time effectively. Students and supervisors believe a supervisor should help the students where limitations and learning needs are identified. Students believe supervisors must encourage students to work independently and use opportunities to present their work.
Purpose: The aim was to investigate the moderating role of psychopathy facets on the relationship between traumatic exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology. Design/methodology/approach: Participants were male prisoners incarcerated in the U.K. Findings: The analysis revealed differential associations between the two facets of psychopathy, with potentially traumatic events and symptoms of PTSD. Specifically, neither primary psychopathy nor trauma exposure were significantly related to PTSD, while secondary psychopathy was positively and significantly related with PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, the effect of trauma exposure on PTSD was found to depend on the level of secondary psychopathy. More specifically, trauma exposure was strongly and positively associated with PTSD symptoms for low levels of secondary psychopathy and negatively associated with PTSD symptomology for individuals with high levels of secondary psychopathy. Originality/value: The findings clarify linkages among psychopathy facets, trauma, and PTSD, and extend our understanding of the presentation of PTSD in male prisoners.
Non-suicidal self-injury is a common behaviour in adolescents and young adults, and may be associated with mental health disorders, risk of suicidal behaviour (ideation and attempts), and a need for clinical services. Nurses, in particular those working in emergency departments and mental health settings, have a crucial role in the assessment, treatment and care of individuals who have self-injured. It is essential for nurses to assess an individual’s risk of more serious harm or accidental death, regardless of intent. It is also important to understand the variations in non-suicidal self-injurious behaviour in terms of its presentation, features and functions, to provide appropriate person-centred care. Nurses should assist individuals in identifying the triggers or cues for their behaviour, exploring treatment options, and monitoring their behaviour and risk in the long term. This article describes the profile of people who self-injure, and the issues related to assessment and management of such patients presenting in emergency departments. A description of who self-injures and why, and how people self-injure; developmental aspects of these behaviours, including short and long-term outcomes; and the available treatments is presented.
Working behind the Wall: The Health and Wellbeing of Prison Officers.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for incarcerated youth, and up to half of all juveniles in confinement experience suicidal ideation in addition to other psychopathology, including psychopathic personality features. Unfortunately, limited research has investigated the psychopathy–suicidality link among juvenile delinquents and using newer psychopathy measures. Based upon a statewide population of incarcerated juvenile offenders, we found that psychopathy was a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation and lifetime suicide attempts, but the latter relationship was attenuated by lifetime depression diagnosis. In addition, certain affective psychopathic features such as Stress Immunity conferred protection against suicidality, whereas behavioral and lifestyle components including Carefree Nonplanfulness, Blame Externalization, and Rebellious Nonconformity were positively linked to suicidal thoughts among the youth offenders. As these risk factors are routinely screened for in juvenile justice settings, this study’s findings have considerable implications to applied practice and prevention among juvenile justice involved youth.
Objective: One potential mechanism that has received limited attention within psychosis research, is early maladaptive schemas (EMS). Our aim was to examine if EMS acts as a potential mediating pathway between early trauma and psychotic symptomology. Methods: A quantitative survey was hosted online. N=302 participants took part. The analysis employed a multiple mediation framework. Results: Analysis demonstrated significant specificity effects. Different forms of child maltreatment were significantly associated with psychosis experiences through specific dimensions of maladaptive schemas. Conclusions: Results indicated specificity effects in that specific types of maltreatment are associated with specific maladaptive schemas. From a practitioner’s perspective, these findings offer credence to cognitive theories of psychopathology, and support the validity of EMS identification and modification among clients with psychotic symptomology; both as a fundamental component of traditional CBT and within specialised schema focused therapy.
Parental psychopathology, adult attachment and risk of 12-month suicidal behaviours
Background The mechanisms by which parental psychopathology and vulnerability to suicide is transmitted to offspring is not well understood. parental psychopathology and behaviour may impact upon the normal emotional and psychological adjustment of their offspring in various ways. Research shows attachment insecurities may also be a key factor in the facilitation of suicidal behaviours. Objective To examine adult attachment insecurities as a potential mediating pathway between parental psychopathology and 12-month suicidality. Method The study utilized data from the National co-morbidity Survey-Replication (NCS-R, N = 5692). Parental psychopathology was assessed using items from the Familial History of Psychiatric Disorders section of the NSC-R in conjunction with items designed to capture dimensions of attachment and suicidal behaviours. Results Resultant analyses demonstrated specificity effects in that, parental psychopathology was associated with specific suicidal components through specific dimensions of attachment. Discussion The results align with literature linking parental psychopathology to both attachment insecurities and risk of suicide. Crucially, this study bridges these research areas by presenting attachment insecurity as possible risk indicator and intervening factor between parental mental health and behaviour and specific indicators of suicide.
Background: Rates of self-harm and suicide are increasing in young people. The literature suggests that individuals who identify with alternative subcultures (e.g. Goth) may be at a greater risk. Objective: To explore the prevalence of self-harm and suicide in alternative subcultures and the factors that might contribute to this increased risk. Method: Using a systematic strategy, the databases PsycINFO, Scopus, MEDLINE and Web of Science and the E-Thesis online service (ETHOS) were searched for English language only papers, with no restrictions in terms of date of publication. Papers were selected that included data on the relationship between either alternative subculture identity (e.g. Goth) or preference for alternative music (e.g. Heavy Metal) and self-harm or suicide. Ten quantitative papers were included; seven cross-sectional, two longitudinal and one cross-sectional state level comparison study. Two qualitative papers were also included. Studies were assessed by two reviewers for risk of bias Results: The findings indicated that individuals who associated with alternative subcultures were at a greater risk of self-harm and suicide. Whilst qualitative papers identified potential mechanisms (e.g. exposure to self-harm and the way self-harm is presented or normalised) there remains limited support for these mechanisms. Conclusions: More research is required to understand the association between self-harm, suicide and alternative subculture affiliation, and the factors underlying it. Longitudinal studies and studies focusing on mechanism are particularly important.
Welcome to issue 6.3 of the journal. As always, we are pleased to present papers that address a broad range of issues, and use samples drawn from various countries around the world.
Background A broad variety of different functions can underlie acts of Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Whilst research so far has identified many of the commonly reported functions, no reliable estimates of prevalence currently exist for these different NSSI functions. Understanding the prevalence of NSSI functions represents a key to better understanding the phenomenology of NSSI and addressing the differing needs of the NSSI population. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of NSSI functions in community and clinical samples. Method A literature search of electronic databases PsycINFO, Medline, and Web of Science from date of inception to March 2017 was undertaken. A pre-specified framework for categorising different functions of NSSI was used to collate data from across studies. A random-effects meta-analysis of prevalence was then undertaken on these data. Results Intrapersonal functions (66–81%), and especially those concerning emotion regulation were most commonly reported by individuals who engage in NSSI (63–78%). Interpersonal functions (e.g., expressing distress) were less common (33–56%). Limitations The review was limited to English-language articles. Reviewed articles were inconsistent in their measurement of NSSI. Inconsistency within pooled prevalence estimates was high when moderators were not accounted for. Conclusions Findings indicate that intrapersonal functions of NSSI are most common and are present for the majority of participants. This finding supports dominant emotion-regulation models of NSSI, and the use of interventions that work to improve emotion-regulation ability. However, interpersonal functions remain endorsed by a substantial portion of participants.
Childhood Abuse and Psychotic-Like Experiences: Exploring the Specificity of Early Maladaptive Experiences
University life can be stressful, and accurate measurement of perceived stress is important for research and practice. However, despite widespread use, disagreement persists regarding the latent structure of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), which poses serious consequences for how the measure should be administered. Furthermore, factorial invariance between genders has not been established with the 10-item PSS, though gender differences in perceived stress have been detected. This study examined the factor structure, composite reliability, convergent validity, and gender invariance of the PSS-10 among 524 UK university students. Four distinct factor models (one-factor, correlated two-factor, correlated three-factor, and bifactor) were examined using confirmatory factor analysis. The totality of results supported a bifactor solution. Multi-group analysis established configural, metric, and scalar invariance of this model across gender. This study supports the use of total PSS-10 scores with UK university students and suggests the scale is not significantly affected by gender bias.
Introduction: The expanding use of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing within cervical screening requires an evaluation of public understanding of HPV. This study aimed to explore HPV awareness and knowledge using a previously psychometrically validated measure in a sample of UK women aged 25 years and over. Methods: An anonymous web-based cross-sectional survey design was used, and responses recorded for 246 women (mean age = 37.59, SD = 9.20). Results: Findings indicated limits to women’s understanding of HPV, its transmission, treatment and link with cancer. The mean HPV knowledge score was 9.35 (4.43), and the mean HPV testing score was 3.34 (1.91). Multivariate analyses revealed that information-seeking following cervical screening and being a student is associated with higher HPV knowledge, and that having a positive HPV test result and having university education is associated with higher HPV testing knowledge. Conclusions: These results highlight that there is a lack of knowledge and misunderstanding relating to HPV and its link with cancer in adult women in the UK. The findings suggest that public health HPV information campaigns are urgently needed, especially with a drop in UK cervical screening attendance rates, and with the upcoming change to HPV primary testing within the UK NHS cervical screening programme.
Measure of Criminal Social Identity--Urdu Version
Background: Subthreshold psychotic experiences are known to confer a risk for suicidality. Yet, despite evidence of a strong aetiological trauma-psychosis pathway, the coalesced effect of such concurrences on suicide risk is largely discounted. Objective: Our aims were to examine the impact of different manifestations of lifespan trauma and psychotic-like experiences (PE) on the risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts using an exploratory person-centred approach. Method: Data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (N= 7,403) was analysed. Psychotic-like experiences were assessed using the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire (PSQ) alongside items probing childhood and adult trauma, in addition to twelve-month suicide thoughts and attempt. Results: A manual 3-step latent class analysis elicited four distinct profiles, namely a socially disconnected/high PE, a sexual victimisation/moderate PE, a lifespan trauma/low PE and a baseline class. The socially disconnected class, characterised by a moderate likelihood of social disconnection, a high probability of various PE endorsements, yet a low likelihood of other significant trauma, showed the greatest risk of twelve-month suicide ideation (OR=13.0, 95%CI=8.539 – 19.021) and attempt (OR=24.2, 95%CI=10.349 – 56.860). Conclusions: Neither multiple nor recurrent traumatic experiences invariably result in the emergence of PEs. Instead, a sense of social disconnection may be either resultant of PEs, or alone sufficient to cultivate such symptom presentations, even in the absence of prior traumas. Moreover, just as traumatic encounters increase the risk of suicidality, so too might seemingly more innocuous adversities such as poor-quality social relationships further elevate the risk, particularly when proximal and coupled with the simultaneity of PEs.
This chapter explores the extant research concerning the functions of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), highlighting the key implications of this work for future research, clinical practice, and prevention. It uses the term “function” to refer to either the self-reported reasons for engaging in NSSI behaviors, or the expected or actual consequences of the behaviors. Many of the functions of NSSI are considered intrapersonal (sometimes called autonomic), focusing on changing or affecting a person’s internal states in some way. These include self-injury as a form of affect regulation, helping the person to cope with or reduce emotional distress. In addition to intrapersonal functions, many reported functions of NSSI are interpersonal in nature, involving other people. These include NSSI providing a means to express or communicate the level of distress one is experiencing, or as a way of seeking help from others. It has also been noted that NSSI may act as a means of hurting others. The chapter then outlines implications for future research and clinical practice based on what is known so far about the functions of NSSI.
Gender differences and correlates of extreme dieting behaviours in US adolescents
The role of line managers in retirement management and their perceptions of their role of the timing of employee retirement
Purpose – The focus of this study is on line managers’ attitudes towards their management role in respect of employee retirement. This study has two main aims. Firstly, it explores line managers’ perspectives regarding retirement management (RM): their perceived responsibility for RM, the training they have received and the degree of decision latitude they experience in RM. Secondly, the study examines the factors that affect the extent to which line managers’ perceive it to be their role to influence the timing of employees’ retirement decisions. This is modelled as a function of employee characteristics and line manager attributes. The purpose of this research is to inform practice by describing differences in line managers’ perceptions about retirement management and identify potential sources of bias in decision-making surrounding their decision-making. Design/methodology/approach – The design incorporates two studies: a survey of line mangers (N = 129) which investigates their attitudes towards RM, and a vignette study. In the survey, line managers were presented with a list of behaviours associated with managing older workers and asked to indicate which level in the organisation they perceived to be responsible for that (line manager, human resources or both). In addition, line managers’ experiences of RM training and their assessments of how much latitude they have for decision making in the area were measured. In the vignette study, 192 scenarios were created which described hypothetical older workers based on the following variables: gender, grade, health, attitude towards retirement, work enjoyment, work performance and ease of replacement. Line managers (N = 129) were asked to indicate the extent to which they perceive that they have a role to play in the timing of older workers’ retirement. Information about the line managers (demographics, attitudes to retirement and experience) was extracted from the survey and included in the analysis. Multilevel logit analysis was used to model the probability of the respondents’ perceptions of their role in the timing of the retirement decision. The information was combined and multilevel models were estimated, with vignettes at the lower level (Level 1) of the multilevel structure and respondents at the upper level (Level 2). Findings – Line managers recognise their own role in retirement management activities, but perceive that a number of activities are shared with the centralised HR departments. Line managers also reported low levels of training in RM but acknowledge relatively high decision latitude in responding to requests for flexible working requests. In terms of their role in the timing of employee retirement, line manager characteristics, but not employee characteristics, were found to exert an influence on line managers’ perceptions of their role. Specifically, the gender and age of the manager, and whether or not the manager has prior experience of managing employees over the age of 65 were substantively associated with the probability that a manager will consider themselves to have a role to play in the timing of an employee’s retirement. Female managers, older managers and managers with greater expectations of their own later retirement were more likely to perceive a role in influencing employee retirement. Research limitation/implications – Respondents are asked to make decisions based on hypothetical scenarios. Originality value - The focus of the study is specifically on line managers perceptions of their own role. The study makes a contribution by integrating both line manager and employee characteristics in understanding line managers’ views on their role in employee timing.
Validity and Composite Reliability of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale among U.K. University Students
© Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the number and nature of latent classes of delinquency that exist among male juvenile offenders incarcerated in prisons in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach – The sample consisted of 415 young male offenders incarcerated in prisons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Pakistan. Latent class analysis was employed to determine the number and nature of delinquency latent classes. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between latent classes and the three factors of criminal social identity (cognitive centrality, in-group affect, and in-group ties) whilst controlling for criminal friends, period of confinement, addiction, age, and location. Findings – The best fitting latent class model was a three-class solution. The classes were labelled: “minor delinquents” (the baseline/normative class; Class 3), “major delinquents” (Class 1), and “moderate delinquents” (Class 2). Class membership was predicted by differing external variables. Specifically, Class 1 membership was related to having more criminal friends; while Class 2 membership was related to lower levels of in-group affect and higher levels of in-group ties. Practical implications – Findings are discussed in relation to refining current taxonomic arguments regarding the structure of delinquency and implications for prevention of juvenile delinquent behaviour. Originality/value – First, most previous studies have focused on school children, whereas, this paper focuses on incarcerated juvenile offenders. Second, this research includes delinquents from Pakistan, whereas, most previous research has examined delinquent behaviour in western cultures.
The Factor Structure and Composite Reliability of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale among ex-Prisoners
The aim of this study was to examine the factor structure and composite reliability of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) using a sample of 669 ex-prisoners identified in the National Survey of American Life. Six distinct factor models, with uncorrelated measurement error terms, were specified and tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results indicated that the two-factor model consisting of positive and negative latent variables provided a better fit to the data than the alternative models. Moreover, only positive self-esteem was a significant predictor of recidivism. Composite reliability indicated that the two factors were measured with very good reliability. The results consequently provide additional support for a two-dimensional model of the RSES within offender populations. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.
Background There is considerable debate about the underlying factor structure of the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL: SV). An established view is that it reflects a unitary construct underpinned by two correlated factors. More recent research has, however, undermined this conceptualisation. Aims Our aim was to compare 10 competing models of the PCL: SV in a sample of civil psychiatric patients. Method Ten distinct factor models were specified and tested using conventional confirmatory factor analytic techniques, along with confirmatory bifactor modelling. Results A bifactor model, including two general factors (interpersonal–affective and antisocial–lifestyle), and four subordinate factors (interpersonal, affective, antisocial and lifestyle) provided the best fit to the data. The reliability of the conceptualisation was supported through the use of composite reliability, and the differential relationships exhibited between the general factors and measures of personality, impulsivity and mental health. Conclusions Our findings provide further weight to taking the two general psychopathy factors into account when interpreting the PCL: SV for clinical purposes.
Psychopathy and Criminal Behaviour: A Psychosocial Research Perspective
This paper aims to provide a critical review of the psychopathy literature, with a particular focus on recent research examining the relationship between psychopathy and various forms of criminal behaviour. The authors provide an overview of the studies conducted to date. To identify relevant published studies for this review, literature searches were completed using Web of Science, Scopus, PsychINFO, and PubMed. Substantial empirical research exists to suggest that psychopathy is a robust predictor of criminal behaviour and recidivism. Furthermore, considerable support for the assertion that the violence perpetrated by psychopathic offenders is more instrumental than the violence committed by other offenders was found. In addition, some research suggests that the greater use of instrumental violence among psychopathic offenders may be due to the interpersonal/affective traits of psychopathy, and not the impulsive/antisocial traits. The current paper is the first to provide an in-depth review of the literature examining the association between psychopathy and criminal offending with a particular focus on violent and homicidal behaviour.Purpose
Design/methodology/approach
Findings
Originality/value
Psycho-sociological investigation of criminal behaviour within a prison sample using retrospective data
Abstract
Previous research indicated a significant role of family variables (parental supervision and attachment) in the study of criminality. Social learning of criminal behaviour suggested that the intensity of criminal acts during adolescence is predicted by exposure to criminal peer groups. Based on a sample of recidivists (n = 312) incarcerated in a high‐security prison, this article investigates the direct and indirect effects of parental attachment, parental supervision, and peer relations on associations with criminal friends and subsequent criminal behaviour. Two alternative models of criminal behaviour were specified and estimated in Mplus 6 with restricted maximum likelihood estimation, using structural equation modelling. Results suggest that parental attachment has a significant, positive direct effect on parental supervision and relationships with peers, and an indirect effect on associations with criminal friends via parental supervision. Results also indicate a direct negative effect of parental supervision on criminal associations and a strong, positive effect of criminal associations with criminal friends on criminal behaviour. The only indirect predictor of criminal behaviour was parental supervision via associations with criminal friends. Further implications in relation to theory and previous studies are discussed.
Psychosocial correlates of recidivism in a sample of ex-prisoners: the role of oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder
The present study aimed to (a) examine the role of Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and Conduct disorder (CD) in predicting recidivism, while controlling for childhood arrest, perceived neighbourhood crime frequency, alcohol consumption, age and gender, and (b) explore the relevance of these factors in predicting risk of recidivism for males and females separately. Participants were 669 ex-prisoners identified in the National Survey of American Life. Results revealed that gender, CD and average daily alcohol consumption predicted recidivism. When separate models were estimated for males and females, only average daily alcohol consumption was predictive of female recidivism. By comparison, recidivism was significantly predicted in males by CD in youth and childhood arrest. ODD was also negatively associated with recidivism in males. Consequently, targeting variables identified as significant predictors of recidivism for both males and females, or males, is unlikely to be an optimal way of reducing repeat offending. © 2014 © 2013 Taylor & Francis.
The integrated psychosocial model of criminal social identity attempts to synthesize, distil, and extend our knowledge and understanding of why people develop criminal social identity, with a particular focus on the psychological and social factors involved. We suggest that the development of criminal social identity results from a complex interplay of four important groups of psychosocial factors: (1) an identity crisis which results in weak bonds with society, peer rejection, and is associated with poor parental attachment and supervision; (2) exposure to a criminal/antisocial environment in the form of associations with criminal friends before, during, and/or after incarceration; (3) a need for identification with a criminal group in order to protect one’s self-esteem; and (4) the moderating role of personality traits in the relationship between criminal/antisocial environment and the development of criminal social identity. The model produces testable hypotheses and points to potential opportunities for intervention and prevention. Directions for future research are discussed.
The Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) Model of Suicidal Behaviour: A Structural Equation Modelling approach
Background. There is no debate among researchers that suicidal behaviour develops through complex processes in which social, psychological, and neurobiological factors combine to place individuals at risk. Despite this, research has tended to focus on bivariate associations between atheoretical demographic and/or psychiatric factors and suicidal behaviour. The aim of this study, therefore, was to test the Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) model of suicidal behaviour (O’Connor, 2011). This tripartite model maps the relationship between background factors and trigger events, and the development of suicide ideation/intent through to suicidal behaviour. Methods. University students (N = 1,809) completed anonymous online self-report surveys assessing the components of the IMV model of suicidal behaviour. Results. The fit of the proposed model was good, and explained 81% of variance in entrapment, 49% of variance in suicide ideation, and 26% of variance in suicide attempts. A strong positive relationship existed between defeat and entrapment (β = .53), while weak-moderate positive relationships were found between entrapment and suicide ideation (β = .22) and suicide ideation and suicide attempts (β = .30). Brooding rumination was weakly related to entrapment (β = .11). In terms of the motivational covariates, suicide resilience was negatively related to suicide ideation (β = -.48) as was goal disengagement (β = -.11), while perceived belongingness and thwarted belongingness were both positively associated with suicide ideation (β = .23 and β = .21, respectively). Goal reengagement was not significantly related to suicide ideation (β = .05). Of the motivational covariates, imitation (β = .30) and fearlessness about death (β = .04) were both significantly related to suicide attempts but impulsivity was not (β = .05). Discussion. These findings represent a preliminary step towards greater clarification of the mechanism driving suicidal behaviour, and support the utility of basing future research on the IMV model of suicidal behaviour. The implications for intervention and treatment approaches will be discussed.
The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review of most recent studies of parental and stepparental filicide. A detailed review of the literature revealed the importance of certain demographic, environmental, and psychosocial factors in the commission of child homicide. Our findings indicate that filicides perpetrated by genetic parents and stepparents differ considerably in terms of underlying motivational factors. Data in the literature suggest that biological parents are more likely to choose methods of killing which produce quick and painless death, whereas stepparents frequently kill their wards by beating. Research results demonstrate the victims of maternal filicides to be significantly younger than the victims of paternal filicides. Additionally, filicide–suicide is most often associated with parental psychopathology. Genetic fathers are at the greatest risk of death by suicide after the commission of familicide. These findings are discussed in relation to theoretical frameworks explaining the occurrence of child murder. Further, limitations of reviewed studies and directions for future research are presented.
Latent class analysis was applied to the data to identify homogenous subtypes or classes of self-injurious thoughts and behaviour (SITB) based on indicators indexing suicide ideation, suicide gesture, suicide attempt, thoughts of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), and NSSI behaviour. Analyses were based on a sample of 1,809 healthy adults. Associations between the emergent latent classes and demographic, psychological, and clinical characteristics were assessed. Two clinically relevant subtypes were identified, in addition to a class who reported few SITBs. The classes were labelled: ‘low SITBs’ (25.8%), ‘NSSI and ideation’ (25%), and ‘suicidal behaviour’ (29.2%). Several unique differences between the latent classes and external measures emerged. For instance, those belonging to the ‘NSSI and ideation’ class compared with the ‘suicidal behaviour’ class reported lower levels of entrapment, burdensomeness, fearlessness about death, exposure to the attempted suicide or self-injury of family members and close friends, and higher levels of goal disengagement and acute agitation. SITBs are best explained by three homogenous subgroups that display quantitative and qualitative differences. Profiling the behavioural and cognitive components of suicidal and non-suicidal self-injury is potentially useful as a first step in developing tailored intervention and treatment programmes.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of psychopathy factors and gang membership on moral disengagement while controlling for age, ethnicity, having run away from home, family member and/or friend arrests, substance misuse, parental physical fights, violence exposure (victimization and witnessing), and maternal warmth and hostility. Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on data collected from serious juvenile offenders (n=769) as part of the Pathways to Desistance Study. Findings – Six independent variables made a unique statistically significant contribution to the model: gang membership, age, gender, violence exposure, and psychopathy Factors 1 and 2. Psychopathy Factor 1 was the strongest predictor of moral disengagement. Originality/value – Results indicate that youth with heightened psychopathic traits make greater use of strategies to rationalize and justify their harmful behaviour against others. Implications in relation to theory and previous studies are discussed.
Teachers’ Self-efficacy, Self-esteem, and Job Stress as Determinants of Job Satisfaction
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of teaching self-efficacy, perceived stress, self-esteem, and demographic characteristics (age, gender, education, and years of teaching experience) in predicting job satisfaction within a sample of 121 Irish primary school teachers. – Survey data were collected from teachers from eight primary schools. Hypotheses were tested using a comparison of means, correlations, and multiple regression. – Results indicated that the predictor variables accounted for 22 per cent of variance in teachers’ job satisfaction. However, only perceived stress was found to explain unique predictive variance, with high levels of occupations stress related to low levels of job satisfaction. – Perceived stress should be targeted in efforts to improve teachers’ job satisfaction. – The results make an additional contribution to the literature by providing important information on the factors contributing to teachers’ job satisfaction in Ireland.
There is considerable debate about the underlying factor structure of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) in the literature. An established view is that it reflects a unitary or bi-dimensional construct in non-clinical samples. There are, however, reasons to reconsider this conceptualisation. Based on previous factor analytic findings from both clinical and non-clinical studies, the aim of the present study was to compare 16 competing models of the BHS in a large university student sample (N = 1, 733). Sixteen distinct factor models were specified and tested using conventional confirmatory factor analytic techniques, along with confirmatory bifactor modelling. A 3-factor solution with 2 method effects (i.e., a multitrait–multimethod model) provided the best fit to the data. The reliability of this conceptualisation was supported by McDonald's coefficient omega, and the differential relationships exhibited between the three hopelessness factors (‘Feelings about the Future’, ‘Loss of Motivation’, and ‘Future Expectations’) and measures of goal disengagement, brooding rumination, suicide ideation, and suicide attempt history. The results provide statistical support for a three-trait and two-method factor model, and hence the three dimensions of hopelessness theorised by Beck. The theoretical and methodological implications of these findings are discussed.
Latent Class Analysis of Criminal Social Identity in a Prison Sample
Latent Classes of Criminal Intent Associated with Criminal Behaviour
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the number of latent classes of criminal social identity that exist among male recidivistic prisoners. Latent class analysis was used to identify homogeneous groups of criminal social identity. Multinomial logistic regression was used to interpret the nature of the latent classes, or groups, by estimating the associationsto number of police arrests, recidivism, and violent offending while controlling for current age. The best fitting latent class model was a five-class solution: ‘High criminal social identity’ (17%), ‘High Centrality, Moderate Affect, Low Ties’ (21.7%), ‘Low Centrality, Moderate Affect, High Ties’ (13.3%),‘Low Cognitive, High Affect, Low Ties’ (24.6%), and ‘Low criminal social identity’ (23.4%). Each of the latent classes was predicted by differing external variables. Criminal social identity is best explained by five homogenous classes that display qualitative and quantitative differences.
Intimate partner violence is an important issue and attempts to distinguish typologies of intimate partner violence are necessary to understand the complexities of intimate partner violence, its various causes, correlates, and consequences. Over the last two decades, much research was aimed at classifying types of violence depending on the similarities and differences in patterns of violence. However, it is difficult to find a single account that provides a succinct and up-to-date overview of these classifications. As a result, considerable effort is required to identify and retrieve relevant papers to understand each typology or classification of intimate partner violence. This article provides a succinct and up-to-date integrative review of various classifications of intimate partner violence. Typologies by form of abuse, type of violence, type of perpetrator (men and women) are critically reviewed in the light of available literature and the strengths and limitations of each are described. Recommendations for further research are also provided.
The main aim of the present study was to specify and test a structural model to examine the relationships between four psychopathy dimensions (Interpersonal Manipulation, Callous Affect, Erratic Lifestyle, and Antisocial Behavior), childhood exposure to violence, and rape myth acceptance while controlling for gender, age, sample type (prisoner vs. non-prisoner), and relationship status. Participants were a sample of non-offending adults (n = 319) recruited from the University of Security in Poznan, and a sample of prisoners (n = 129) incarcerated in Stargard Szczecinski Prison. Results indicated that the model provided a good fit for the data, and that Callous Affect and childhood exposure to violence had a significant positive effect on attitudes toward rape and rape victims. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
This study examined the relationships between psychopathy (primary and secondary), intelligence and emotional responding in a sample of 50 university students, using a task measuring autonomic responses to 40 pictorial stimuli (20 neutral and 20 emotionally provoking). Results indicated no significant direct relationship between primary or secondary psychopathy and emotional response, or primary or secondary psychopathy and intelligence. However, a significant moderating effect of intelligence on the association between both psychopathy factors and emotional response was observed, indicating those scoring higher on psychopathy but with lower intelligence portray the expected emotional responses to the affective stimuli (primary: β = -.56, p < .05; secondary: β = .80, p < .001). These findings indicate abnormal reactivity to emotional stimuli in lower intelligence, higher psychopathic individuals, and suggest differing roles for the two facets of psychopathy in affective responsiveness deviations.
Gang Re-engagement Intentions among Serious Juvenile Offenders
Research examining the factors that precipitate gang membership has contributed substantially to our understanding of gangs and gang-related activity, yet we know little about the factors influencing intentions to rejoin a gang after having being incarcerated. This study examines the relationship between gang characteristics, number of incarcerated friends, and family characteristics and gang reengagement intentions, while controlling for ethnicity. Participants were 206 male serious juvenile offenders interviewed as part of the Pathways to Desistance Study. The model explained between 35% and 47% of variance in gang reengagement intentions. However, only three variables made a unique statistically significant contribution to the model (punishment if gang rules are broken, importance of gang membership, and moral disengagement), with the strongest predictor being importance of gang membership. The results suggest that challenging young offenders’ perceptions about the importance of gang membership might be particularly effective in reducing gang reengagement intentions after incarceration.
Emotion Regulation in Non-suicidal Self-injury (NSSI)
A Bifactor Approach to Modelling the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Inconsistency exists in the empirical literature with respect to the underlying factor structure of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES; Rosenberg, 1989). In research contexts the RSES is considered a unidimensional measure of self-esteem. Empirical findings have undermined this conceptualisation with factor analytic findings favouring a variety of one-factor solutions (with correlated measurement errors) or multidimensional representations. The current study applied a bifactor modelling approach to provide a theoretical and methodologically satisfying resolution to the current inconsistency. Three alternative factor models of the RSES were tested among a large sample of the adult population (N = 6082). Results indicated that a bifactor model was the best fit of the data. This model was demonstrated to be factorially invariant among males and females. The reliability of the scale was established using composite reliability. Results are discussed in terms of resolving the debate about the appropriate factor structure of the RSES.
BACKGROUND: Although early conceptualisations posited an inverse relationship between psychopathy and self-injury, little research has tested this. AIMS: To examine the self-injurious thoughts and behaviours associated with psychopathy. METHODS: Data from the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Project (N = 871) were used to examine homogenous subtypes of participants based on their responses to six self-injury items. A binary logistic regression model was used to interpret the nature of the latent classes by estimating the associations with the four psychopathy factors, mixed anxiety-depression, violence victimisation, and gender. RESULTS: A 2-class solution provided the best fit to the data. Most participants (86.2%) were assigned to the baseline ("low self-injury risk") group. "The high-risk self-injury group" was characterised by a higher probability of endorsing all self-injury items, particularly "thoughts of hurting self" and "attempts to hurt self". The four psychopathy factors showed differential associations with self-injury group membership. Participant's scorings, higher on the affective component and lower on interpersonal component of psychopathy, were significantly more likely to be assigned to the high risk group. Significant associations were also found between mixed anxiety/depression and gender, and "high-risk self-injury group" membership. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have important implications for the identification of individuals at risk of self-injury.
The role of line managers in influencing employee retirement decisions
Challenging lives: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Quality of Life in Young Adults Living with a Chronic Neurological Condition
Objectives: The transition from adolescence to young adulthood is traditionally a time of self-discovery, career establishment, and the development of relationships. However, for young adults with a chronic illness this time in life can be very challenging, and the management of the transition is crucial for these young adults to reach their potential. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences, perceptions, and challenges of young adults with a chronic neurological condition undergoing the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The Quality of Life model was used to inform the interview schedule and explored two specific areas: identity and condition. Methods: Six participants with chronic neurological conditions (age 18-25 years) took part in the study. Audio-recorded semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Results: The findings revealed a number of interlinking superordinate themes across the participants: 'condition', 'support', 'strive for independence', and 'transition'. Conclusions: The findings of this exploratory study provide a visible indication of the specific needs of the participant group, including informational and social support needs, and removal of barriers for successful participation. They also highlight holistic service requirements and the interlinking relationships of the direction of support which could be provided to meet these needs.
Differentiating Suicide Attempters from Suicide Ideators using the Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model of Suicidal Behaviour
Background. The majority of individuals who consider death by suicide do not make suicide attempts. Despite this, most prior research has examined the predictors of the presence of suicidal behaviour, but has failed to identify which suicide ideators are at greatest risk of acting on their thoughts (i.e., which factors may predict the transition from suicide ideation). This is problematic as recent research has shown that some of the strongest risk factors for suicide attempts are less useful in predicting which people with suicide ideation go on to make suicide attempts. Drawing on the Integrated Motivational–Volitional (IMV) model of suicidal behaviour (O’Connor, 2011) as a theoretical basis, this study aimed to examine the factors associated with having thoughts of suicide (ideation) versus those associated with suicide enaction (attempts). Based on the central tenets of the IMV, it was predicted the factors associated with ideation formation would be distinct from those factors concerned with behavioural enaction. Method. University students (N = 1, 288) completed anonymous self-report questionnaires. Analyses compared three groups: suicide attempters (n = 230), suicide ideators (n = 583), and those without any suicide history (n = 475). Results. Suicide attempters differed from suicide ideators on all volitional factors (fearlessness about death, impulsivity, and imitation). Compared to ideators, attempters were more likely to have a family member and close friend who had self-injured or attempted suicide, and were more impulsive and fearless about death. Conversely, the two suicide groups did not differ on any of the variables (motivational factors) associated with the development of thoughts of death by suicide. Discussion. This study provides support for the tripartite IMV model suicidal behaviour, and indicates that when searching for risk and protective factors for suicide, it is important to keep in mind that such factors may differ according to what part of the suicidal process they predict. Further research is needed to explore who is likely to act on suicidal thoughts, and, for those at risk, when they are likely to translate those thoughts in to action. Such research may inform our determination of an individual’s risk for future suicidal behaviour (i.e., low, moderate, high, or imminent risk).
This study investigates the construct validity, composite reliability and concurrent validity of the Inventory of attitudes towards seeking mental health services (IASMHS). A large sample of Irish police officers (N = 331) participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three-factor structure of the scale, while composite reliability results demonstrated that the IASMHS possessed excellent internal reliability. Structural equation modelling indicated that help-seeking propensity was the strongest predictor of intentions to engage in psychological counselling followed by psychological openness. Neuroticism was a weak, significant predictor of intentions. Implications of these results are discussed in relation to improving utilisation rates of mental health services.
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI): A comparative study of English and Spanish samples of university students
Latent Classes of Criminal Intent Associated with Criminal Behaviour
Background
This study aimed to examine the number of latent classes of criminal intent that exist among prisoners and to look at the associations with recidivism, number of police arrests, type of offending (robbery, violent offences, murder, and multiple offences), and age.
Participants and procedure
Latent class analysis was used to identify homogeneous subgroups of prisoners based on their responses to the 10 questions reflecting criminal intent. Participants were 309 male recidivistic prisoners incarcerated in a maximum security prison. Multinomial logistic regression was used to interpret the nature of the latent classes, or groups, by estimating the association between recidivism and latent classes of criminal intent while controlling for offence type (robbery, violent offences, murder, and multiple offences), number of arrests, and age.
Results
The best fitting latent class model was a three-class solution: ‘High criminal intent’ (49.3%), ‘Intermediate criminal intent’ (41.3%), and ‘Low criminal intent’ (9.4%). The latent classes were differentially related to the external variables (recidivism, violent offences, and age).
Conclusions
Criminal intent is best explained by three homogeneous classes that appear to represent an underlying continuum. Future work is needed to identify whether these distinct classes of criminal intent may predict engagement in various types of criminal behaviour.
Purpose: The aim was to examine the dimensionality, composite reliability, and incremental validity of the Measure of Criminal Social Identity (MCSI) in a sample of Pakistani incarcerated delinquents (N = 315) following translation of the measure into Urdu. Design/methodology/approach: Four alternative factor models, with uncorrelated measurement error terms, were specified and tested using confirmatory factor analysis and bifactor modelling techniques. Findings: Results indicated that a three factor model provided a better fit to the data than the alternative models tested. The reliability of the scale was established using composite reliability. Furthermore, structural equation modelling revealed that the three MCSI factors were differentially related with external variables, indicating that the MCSI measures substantially different domains. Implications: Implications for theory and future research are discussed. Originality/Value: The results add valuable evidence as to the cross-cultural applicability of the MCSI.
Managerial perceptions of supporting training and development of older workers in the context of extending working lives
Line manager involvement in employee retirement: A multi-level study
The role of line managers in the timing of employee retirement
Distinguishing between those who think about suicide from those who attempt suicide
Non-suicidal self-injury in university students: The relative importance of different behavioural functions
Non-suicidal self-injury and self-esteem of university students
Emotion Regulation of Self and Others in Non-suicidal Self-injury
Non-suicidal self-injury among university students
The role of line managers in retirement management and their perceptions of their role in the timing of employee retirement
Feeling worse or feeling better: An investigation of emotion regulation in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)
Empirical tests of the main predictors of the integrated motivational volitional model of suicidal behaviour
How can we understand the suicidal mind? Why is it that some people progress from suicidal thoughts to behaviours, yet others don't? These kinds of questions led to the development of O'Connor's Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model of Suicidal Behaviour (IMV). Here we discuss new approaches and evidence in support of this psychologically-focused model. Katie Dhingra will present the results of two empirical studies using IMV model. Study one tested the model in its entirety using structural equation modelling. The fit of the proposed model was good, explaining 79% of variance in defeat, 83% for entrapment, 61% for suicide ideation, and 27% for in suicide attempts. Study two showed that suicide attempters differed from those with suicide ideation on all volitional factors but not on any of the variables (motivational factors) associated with the development of thoughts of suicide. Ellen Townsend will describe work conducted with young people to understand the patterns of thoughts, feelings, behaviours and events that lead to suicidal behaviour. Sequence analysis of data gathered using a novel task - the Card Sort Task for Self-Harm (CaTS) - shows strong support for the progression and interplay of factors espoused in the IMV model. Rory O'Connor will describe how the model informs our understanding of the transition from thoughts of suicide to acts of suicide. He will report on two intervention studies which use a brief psychological intervention (volitional help sheet) which offer promise in reducing repetition of self-harm in those who have attempted suicide.
This article examined correlates of and gender differences in extreme dieting behaviours among 15,425 US adolescents from the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Suicidal thoughts and plans and binge drinking were related to extreme dieting behaviours in females, but not in males. Suicide attempts, daily smoking and marijuana use were related to extreme dieting behaviours in males, but not females. Results suggest extreme dieting behaviours are associated with a range of negative psychosocial factors and substance use behaviours, and that these differ for boys and girls. Additional research is required to elucidate these relationships, and these results provide a focus for future research, prevention and intervention efforts.
The aim is to assess the effect of imprisonment on rape myth acceptance. The research used a sample of male prisoners incarcerated for non-sexual crimes (n = 98) and a sample of males drawn from the general population (n = 160). Simple linear regression did not indicate a significant effect of incarceration on rape myth acceptance. After controlling for background covariates using propensity score matching, analysis revealed a positive significant effect of incarceration on rape myth acceptance. Although further research is required, results indicate that being subject to incarceration has a significant positive effect on stereotypical thinking about rape.
© Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Purpose: Suicidal behaviour is a common in prisoners, yet little is known about the factors that may protect against thoughts of ending one's life. The purpose of this paper is to specify and test a structural model to examine the relationship between three criminal social identity (CSI) dimensions (in-group affect, in-group ties, and cognitive centrality) and suicide ideation while controlling for period of confinement, age, criminal friends, and offense type (violent vs non-violent). Design/methodology/approach: Participants were 415 male juvenile offenders incarcerated in prisons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. A structural model was specified and tested using Mplus to examine the relationships between the three factors of CSI and suicidal thoughts, while controlling for age, offender type, period of confinement, and substance dependence. Findings: The model provided an adequate fit for the data, explaining 22 per cent of variance in suicidal thoughts. In-group affect (the level of personal bonding with other criminals) was found to exert a strong protective effect against suicide ideation. Originality/value: The research contributes important information on suicide ideation in Pakistan, an Islamic country in which suicide is considered a sin and subsequently a criminal offence. Results indicate that Juvenile offenders' sense of shared identity may help to prevent the development of thoughts of death by suicide. Consequently, separating and isolating young prisoners may be ill advised.
The Howard League and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This study aimed to determine whether distinct subgroups of psychopathic traits exist in a sample of civil psychiatric patients, using data from the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Project (n = 810), by means of latent class analysis. Multinomial logistic regression was used to interpret the nature of the latent classes, or groups, by estimating the associations with criminal behaviour, violence, and gender. The best fitting latent class model was a 4-class solution: a 'high psychopathy class' (class 1; 26.4%), an 'intermediate psychopathy class' (class 2; 16.0%), a 'low affective-interpersonal and high antisocial-lifestyle psychopathy class' (class 3; 31.3%), and a 'normative class' (class 4; 26.3%). Each of the latent classes was predicted by differing external variables. Psychopathy is not a dichotomous entity, rather it falls along a skewed continuum that is best explained by four homogenous groups that are differentially related to gender, and criminal and violent behaviour.
A Bifactorial Solution to the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version in a Sample of Civil Psychiatric Patients
Abstract
Background
There is considerable debate about the underlying factor structure of the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL: SV). An established view is that it reflects a unitary construct underpinned by two correlated factors. More recent research has, however, undermined this conceptualisation.
Aims
Our aim was to compare 10 competing models of the PCL: SV in a sample of civil psychiatric patients.
Method
Ten distinct factor models were specified and tested using conventional confirmatory factor analytic techniques, along with confirmatory bifactor modelling.
Results
A bifactor model, including two general factors (interpersonal–affective and antisocial–lifestyle), and four subordinate factors (interpersonal, affective, antisocial and lifestyle) provided the best fit to the data. The reliability of the conceptualisation was supported through the use of composite reliability, and the differential relationships exhibited between the general factors and measures of personality, impulsivity and mental health.
Conclusions
Our findings provide further weight to taking the two general psychopathy factors into account when interpreting the PCL: SV for clinical purposes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The aim was to investigate the role of age, drug abuse, period of confinement, loneliness, difficulty in controlling emotions, having no friends in prison, victimization in prison, guilt over crimes, insomnia, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and mood change in predicating suicide attempts in a sample of homicidal young prisoners. Poisson regression model indicated that five variables contributed significantly to the prediction of suicide attempts. Specifically, participants reporting drug abuse, difficulty in controlling emotions, victimization in prison, nightmares, and depression were significantly more likely to report suicide attempts while incarcerated.
Few studies have incorporated multiple dimensions of victimization or examined whether victimization profiles differ by gender. Consequently, the present study sought to extend prior research by using latent class analysis (LCA) to identify naturally occurring subgroups of individuals who have experienced victimization, and to test for sex differences. Data from 4,016 females and 3,032 males in the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) were analyzed. Evidence of the existence of similar victimization subtypes for both males and females emerged, with a three-class solution providing the best fit to the data for both sexes. Furthermore, the classes were labeled “low victimization” (the baseline class; Class 3), the “high victimization class” (Class 1), and “the bullying and domestic violence class” (Class 2) for both males and females. Multinomial logistic regression was used to interpret the nature of the latent classes, or groups, by estimating the associations with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) dimensions, suicide attempt, and non-suicidal self-injury. Although different constellations of victimization experiences did not emerge through the gender-specific analyses, the nature of the associations between class membership and external variables differed between males and females. Findings highlight the heterogeneity of victimization experiences and their relations to functioning, and have implications for policy and practice implications.
Background Suicidal behaviour is a significant public health concern, yet little is known about the factors that enable or impede behavioural enactment (engaging in a suicide attempt). Aims Drawing on the Integrated Motivational–Volitional (IMV) Model of Suicidal Behaviour (2011), this study examined the factors associated with having thoughts of suicide (ideation) versus those associated with suicide enaction (attempts). Within a multivariate context, it was predicted that the factors associated with ideation formation (motivational factors) would be distinct from those factors which governed behavioural enaction (volitional moderators). Method Healthy adults (N=1, 288) completed an anonymous self-report survey. Analyses compared three groups: suicide attempters (n=230), suicide ideators (n=583), and those without any suicide history (n=475). Results Suicide attempters differed from suicide ideators on all volitional factors (fearlessness about death, impulsivity, and exposure to suicidal behaviour), with the exception of discomfort tolerance. Compared to ideators, attempters were more likely to have a family member and close friend who had self-injured or attempted suicide, and were more impulsive and fearless about death. Conversely, the two suicide groups did not differ on any of the variables (motivational factors) associated with the development of thoughts of death by suicide. Limitations This is a cross-sectional study based on self-report measures. Conclusions Further research efforts to distinguish between suicide ideators and suicide attempters is crucial to inform the development of intervention and treatment approaches.
Suicidal behaviours are highly complex, multi-determined phenomena. Despite this, historically research has tended to focus on bivariate associations between atheoretical demographic and/or psychiatric factors and suicidal behaviour. The aim of this study was to empirically test the Integrated Motivational-Volitional model of suicidal behaviour using structural equation modeling. Healthy adults (N = 1, 809) completed anonymous self-report surveys. The fit of the proposed model was good, and explained 79% of variance in defeat, 83% of variance in entrapment, 61% of variance in suicidal ideation, and 27% of variance in suicide attempts. All proposed paths were significant except for those between goal re-engagement and two factors of suicide resilience (Internal Protective and External Protective) and suicidal ideation; and impulsivity and discomfort intolerance and suicide attempts. These findings represent a preliminary step towards greater clarification of the mechanisms driving suicidal behaviour, and support the utility of basing future research on the Integrated Motivational–Volitional model of suicidal behaviour.
Intimate partner violence is a major public health and social problem that affects people in every community, culture and country. Nurses can play a very important role in identifying victims who present to healthcare settings domestic abuse-related health issues. Evidence suggests that the majority of women who present to emergency departments have experienced domestic abuse at some point in their life, however, only 5% are identified by healthcare professionals. To be able to effectively identify and respond to victims, emergency nurses need to understand domestic abuse and its associated complexities. This article provides an overview of the issue, including the different types of abuse, prevalence, causes and effects on health. It also explores emergency nurses’ roles in identifying and managing various situations they may encounter at work
Purpose: The main aim of the current study was to examine how primary psychopathy may interact with period of confinement to predict Criminal Social Identity (CSI) scores, while controlling for covariates. Methods: The Measure of Criminal Social Identity, Levenson Self-report Psychopathy Scale, and the Measure of Criminal Attitudes and Associates were administered to 126 male juvenile offenders incarcerated in prisons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Results: Results indicated no significant direct relationship between period of confinement and CSI scores. However, as expected, a significant moderating effect of primary psychopathy on the association between period of confinement and CSI scores was observed while controlling for covariates. Specifically, the significant effect of period of confinement on CSI was observed only for those participants who scored higher (1 SD above the mean) on primary psychopathy (affective and interpersonal features). Conclusion: For incarcerated juveniles with greater primary psychopathic traits, the formation and/or intensification of CSI may be an adaptive response to incarceration.
Although empirical support for The ICD-11 distinction between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) is growing; however, research into the ICD-11 CPTSD model in prison staff is lacking. This study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to determine if there are distinct groups of trauma-exposed prison governors (i.e., wardens in the U.S. and Canada) who have symptom profiles consistent with the distinction between PTSD and CPTSD, and to identify predictors and posttraumatic maladaptive beliefs outcomes associated with the latent profiles. Trauma-exposed Prison Governors (N = 385) completed the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) and a measure of traumatic life events. LPA was used to extract profiles using the ITQ six symptom clusters of CPTSD. LPA revealed four profiles: ‘CPTSD’ (8.5%), ‘PTSD’ (14%), ‘Disturbances in Self-Organization’ (DSO; 11%), and ‘low symptoms’ (67%). Membership in the CPTSD and DSO profiles was associated with cumulative traumatisation (OR = 1.42 and OR = 1.26, respectively) and poorer health (OR = 2.84 and OR = 1.64, respectively), relative to the low symptom profile, while membership in the PTSD profile was associated with younger age (OR = 0.91). The CPTSD profile showed the greatest posttraumatic maladaptive beliefs. This study yields empirical support for the ICD-11 CPTSD model in prison staff. The results provide additional support for the validity of ITQ measurement of PTSD and CPTSD.
Rates of harmful alcohol use are high among justice-involved individuals and may contribute to violent recidivism. Robust treatments for alcohol-related violence in criminal justice systems are thus a public health priority. In this analysis of existing randomized controlled trial data (N = 105), we examined the impact of a brief motivational intervention (BMI) for harmful substance use on violent recidivism among individuals in a pretrial jail diversion program. Results indicated that, after controlling for violence history, the intervention’s impact on violent recidivism was moderated by baseline harmful alcohol use. Specifically, among people with severe alcohol problems at baseline, the BMI+standard care group had less violent recidivism at a 1-year follow-up than participants randomized to standard care alone. This finding was unchanged when we accounted for psychopathic traits. Our study provides preliminary evidence that a BMI may be useful for decreasing violent recidivism among heavy drinkers in criminal justice systems.
The Ideation-to-Action Framework: a new approach for understanding and preventing suicide
Non Suicidal Self-Injury, Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempt: Prevalence and Predictors in a Sample of Youth Offenders in the UK
The first aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of suicide attempts (SA), suicidal ideation (SI), as well as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) within a sample of community-based youth offenders (M age = 15.33 years) engaging with an urban town Youth Offending Team (YOT). The second aim was to investigate whether trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology, self-esteem, drug/alcohol abuse, criminal social identity (CSI), associations with criminal friends, and gender were significantly associated with SA, SI, and NSSI. Data were collected using self-report instruments, semi-structured interviews, and institutional records. Findings revealed the highest prevalence rates for NSSI (20.6%), followed by SI (12.7%), and SA (5.9%). Thirteen (12.7%) participants met, or exceeded, the threshold score for probable PTSD. Both SA and SI were significantly correlated with trauma exposure, self-esteem, and PTSD. NSSI formed significant associations with trauma, self-esteem, and gender. The present results offer further insight into the risk factors of SA, SI, and NSSI in an under-researched population, providing scope for development of effective interventions. The findings also highlight the need to screen for self-destructive impulses among youngsters in YOTs.
Aim: The aim of the review was to identify intimate partner violence screening interventions used in emergency departments (ED) and to explore factors affecting intimate partner violence screening in EDs. Background: Intimate partner violence against women is now clearly recognised as a global health and societal issue. Nurses working in emergency and urgent care settings can play a crucial role in identification, prevention and management of intimate partner violence Research exploring optimal methods of IPV screening and factors affecting intimate partner violence screening in EDs is relatively limited. Design: Literature review: Rapid Evidence Synthesis. Methods: Literature published between 2000-2015 was reviewed using the principles of rapid evidence assessment. Six electronic databases: CINAHL Medline, EMBASE, Psych Info, the Cochrane Library and Joanna Briggs Library. Results: Twenty-nine empirical studies meeting the eligibility criteria were independently assessed by two authors using appropriate Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklists. IPV screening in EDs is usually performed using electronic, face to face or pen and paper based instruments. Routine or universal screening results in higher identification rates of IPV. Women who screen positive for IPV in EDs are more likely to experience abuse in subsequent months. Factors that facilitate PV screening can be classified as health care professionals related factors, organisational factors and patient related factors. Conclusion: EDs provide a unique opportunity for health care professionals to screen patients for IPV. Competence in assessing the needs of the patients appears to be a very significant factor that may affect rates of IPV disclosure.
The purpose of this study was to further our understanding of how individuals move down the pathway from first thinking about suicide to ultimately attempting to take their own lives by empirically testing the Three‐Step Theory (3ST) in a sample of university students (n = 665). Results largely support the theory's central propositions. First, an interactive model of pain and hopelessness accounted for substantial variance in suicidal desire. This result replicated in both men and women, and across age groups (i.e., below 35 and at or above 35). Also, as predicted, connectedness was protective against ideation in those high on both pain and hopelessness. However, contrary to our prediction, connectedness was similarly protective among everyone else. Finally, suicide capacity predicted suicide attempt history over and above current and lifetime suicide ideation. These findings provide further support to the 3ST.
Although psychopathy construct (SRP-SF) was assessed among various samples, prior research did not investigate whether the model proposed by Hare and colleagues can be used to capture psychopathy scores derived from forensic and non-forensic populations. The main objective of the current study was to test dimensionality, construct validity, and factorial invariance of the SRP-SF within prison (N = 730) and student (N = 2,506) samples. Our results indicate that the SRP-SF measure cannot be used in the same way within forensic and non-forensic samples, which may be due to the inclusion of criminal/antisocial traits as an integral part of psychopathy.
Psychopathic Personality Traits Scale
Self-harm is a major public health concern associated with suicide risk and significant psychological distress. Theories suggest that aversive emotional states are an important process that drives self-harm. Shame and guilt may , in particular, be important emotions in self-harm. This review therefore sought to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between shame, guilt, and self-harm. A systematic search of electronic databases (PsycINFO; Medline; CINAHL Plus; Web of Science and ProQuest) was undertaken to identify studies measuring shame, guilt and self-harm (including suicidal and non-suicidal behaviour). Meta-analysis was undertaken where papers focused on the same subtype of shame or guilt and shared a common outcome. Thirty studies were identified for inclusion. Most forms of shame were associated with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), but research was sparse concerning suicidal behaviour. Fewer studies examined guilt and findings were more varied. Methodological issues included a paucity of longitudinal designs and lack of justification for sample sizes. Results of this review support the link between shame and self-harm, particularly NSSI. The direction of this relationship is yet to be established. Clinically, consideration should be given to the role of shame amongst individuals who present with NSSI. This review was pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42017056165).
Corrigendum to “A Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Different Functions of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury” [Journal of Affective Disorders (2017) 759–769]
The authors regret that they have identified three typographical errors in this publication. (1) On Table 3, the second column of the first row should read “Interpersonal functions” rather than “Intrapersonal functions”. (2) On Table 4, the second column of the first row should read “Interpersonal functions” rather than “Intrapersonal functions”. (3) In section 3.4 “Moderators of prevalence estimates”, the sentence “For both intrapersonal and interpersonal functions this explained a substantial proportion of between-study variance, leaving only moderate inconsistency for intrapersonal functions (41%), and slightly higher residual inconsistency for interpersonal functions (68%).” Should be revised so it reads “For both intrapersonal and interpersonal functions this explained a substantial proportion of between-study variance, leaving only moderate inconsistency for intrapersonal functions (41%), and higher residual inconsistency for interpersonal functions (75%).” The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Latent classes of criminal intent associated with criminal behaviour
<b>Background</b><br /> This study aimed to examine the number of latent classes of criminal intent that exist among prisoners and to look at the associations with recidivism, number of police arrests, type of offending (robbery, violent offences, murder, and multiple offences), and age.<br /> <br /> <b>Participants and procedure</b><br /> Latent class analysis was used to identify homogeneous subgroups of prisoners based on their responses to the 10 questions reflecting criminal intent. Participants were 309 male recidivistic prisoners incarcerated in a maximum security prison. Multinomial logistic regression was used to interpret the nature of the latent classes, or groups, by estimating the association between recidivism and latent classes of criminal intent while controlling for offence type (robbery, violent offences, murder, and multiple offences), number of arrests, and age. <br /> <br /> <b>Results</b><br /> The best fitting latent class model was a three-class solution: ‘High criminal intent’ (49.3%), ‘Intermediate criminal intent’ (41.3%), and ‘Low criminal intent’ (9.4%). The latent classes were differentially related to the external variables (recidivism, violent offences, and age).<br /> <br /> <b>Conclusions</b><br /> Criminal intent is best explained by three homogeneous classes that appear to represent an underlying continuum. Future work is needed to identify whether these distinct classes of criminal intent may predict engagement in various types of criminal behaviour.
Extreme Dieting Behaviours Measure
From suicidal thoughts to behaviour: theoretical perspectives on student suicide
Background: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is associated with high levels of distress, co-morbid mental health issues, and elevated risk of suicide. Previous literature indicates that emotion regulation is the most endorsed function of NSSI. Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM) provides a powerful tool for investigating the moment-to-moment associations between emotional states and NSSI thoughts and behaviours. The aim of the current study was to systematically review and evaluate ESM research concerning the relationship between momentary emotional states and NSSI. Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases from date of inception to 16th April 2021 was conducted. This was supplemented through backwards citation tracking. A risk of bias assessment was completed prior to data synthesis. Results: Nineteen eligible studies were identified for inclusion in the review. Heightened negative affect was found to typically precede instances of NSSIT thoughts and behaviour. Results were less consistent for positive affect. Limitations: Sample sizes across studies were often small, meaningful effect sizes were not always reported, and non-validated measures of NSSI thoughts and behaviour were used during ESM assessments. Conclusions: The results support affect regulation models of NSSI, and demonstrate the value of ESM studies, specifically those sampling more than once per day, in plotting the temporal, “in-the-moment” characteristics of these processes.
Objective: This study explores the association between Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual (LGB) status and self-harm in UK higher education students. There is currently limited data on this association, and the role psychological variables have in potentially explaining this link, in UK students. We examine whether LGB status is associated with self-harm (both non-suicidal self-injury [NSSI] and suicide attempts [SA]), and whether four psychological variables (depression, anxiety, belongingness, self-esteem) mediate this association. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Method: UK university students (n=707) completed an online survey including measures of self-harm, affective symptoms, belongingness, and self-esteem. Latent Variable Modelling (LVM) was used to test our hypotheses. Results: LGB status remained associated with an elevated risk of NSSI and SA even after accounting for mediating factors. Self-esteem and (in the case of SA but not NSSI) thwarted belongingness, did, however, explain some of this association and were correlated with self-harm risk. Conclusions: The findings suggest that psychological factors may account for the association between LGB status and self-harm and, as such, prevention and intervention efforts directed at these psychological mediators may help to reduce self-harm risk in this population.
Background: Victim blame, particularly in cases of acquaintance rape, presents an obstacle to criminal justice. Past research indicates that acquaintance rape results in more blame than stranger rape. However, there are inconsistencies in these findings (e.g., whether there is a linear relationship between victim blame and relationship closeness), partly due to methodological variation. Objectives: To examine the effect of victim–perpetrator relationship on victim blame, how this effect is impacted by rape myth acceptance (RMA) and ambivalent sexism (AS), and to establish what the methodological quality is of studies. Synthesis method: Studies were synthesized through a multilevel meta-analysis using the Metafor package in R (version 2.4-0), synthesizing findings from 47 individual studies. Studies compared victim blame between stranger and acquaintance rape, in isolation or in conjunction with RMA and AS, and were identified through a database search. Results: The review found higher levels of blame in acquaintance as compared to stranger rape, with a medium effect size. This effect was not moderated by RMA. AS was not included as a moderator in the meta-analysis, but the review indicated that benevolent sexism may be a particularly relevant variable. Implications: Future research should examine the relationship between AS and victim blame. The current review contributes to the evidence base on victim blame in rape cases by suggesting that methodological limitations can account for some of the past mixed findings in this area, particularly in a lack of consistency in vignette details. It is recommended that future sexual assault research uses rigorous methodology and increases transparency of research processes.
Rape is a serious concern globally. Past research has identified Ambivalent Sexism (AS), Rape Myth Acceptance (RMA), and the victim-perpetrator relationship as key constructs influencing rape blame attributions and rape proclivity. Limitations with methodologies have, however, limited the practical implications of past research, particularly in the context of underpowered samples and a lack of transparency in vignette development and implementation. In the current research, three studies aimed to validate material to be used in research into rape perceptions and to examine the impact of victim-perpetrator relationship, AS, and RMA on victim and perpetrator culpability, and rape proclivity, using an experimental design. On 563 participants, this research developed and validated six rape vignettes which accounted for methodological limitations of past research (Study One) and were found to be believable and realistic by participants; it further found that aggressively sexist attitudes were associated with increased victim culpability and decreased perpetrator culpability (Study Two), and increased rape proclivity (Study Three). Scenarios of a casual acquaintance produced the highest levels of victim culpability and the lowest levels of perpetrator culpability. Victims were ascribed more control than blame, or responsibility. Men reported the highest levels of rape proclivity in scenarios of casual acquaintance, and intimate partner relationships. Contrary to past research, Benevolent Sexism (BS) did not directly impact attributions in rape cases but may maintain and legitimize the attitudes, which do. As some of our findings contradict past research, we suggest that the need for standardized rape vignettes is evident, along with greater transparency and methodological rigor in sexual assault research, as this will improve the practical implications of findings. Reproducible research practices may be useful for this. While limited in diversity, this research has important implications for policy and research practice, particularly in producing validated material that can be reused by future researchers.
Rape Myths: Understanding, Assessing, and Preventing
Examining the relationship between suicidal behaviour and psychopathic traits through the lens of the Interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide
Aims and objectives: are to, on a sample of nurses and the general public, examine whether victim blame varies according to level of familiarly between victim and perpetrator. It also examines how Ambivalent Sexism (AS) and Rape Myth Acceptance (RMA) impacts on this. Background: Around one in five women will be victims of sexual assault during their lifetime. The majority are acquaintance rapes, and these victims are generally attributed more blame than victims of stranger rape. Research indicates that nurses hold similar attitudes on gender roles and victim blame as do the general public. Methods: Eighty-one participants read a story depicting a sexual assault of a woman by either a stranger or an acquaintance, and completed scales measuring victim blame, AS and RMA. Results: indicated that victim-perpetrator relationship, benevolent sexism (BS), hostile sexism (HS) and whether he participant was a nurse contributed to the variance in attributed victim blame. Hierarchical regressions revealed that whether or not the participant was a nurse contributed to the variance in victim blame in the acquaintance rape condition, and HS and BS contributed to the variance in victim blame in the stranger rape condition. Conclusions: This paper gives a novel insight into attitudes involved in victim blame in rape cases, and makes a unique comparison between nurses and the general public. Findings suggests that victim blame correlates primarily with aggressively sexist attitudes, and that nurses generally attribute more blame to the victim of acquaintance rape.
OBJECTIVE: Skin cancer is to a large degree behaviourally preventable, meaning that evidence-based interventions have scope to make a difference. Previous research indicates that appearance-based interventions such as facial morphing may be more effective than health-based interventions, and that it can personalise the issue of skin cancer. METHOD: This study examined attitudes to UV exposure, as well as reactions to a facial morphing intervention, through interviews with 25 women aged 35 years and older. RESULTS: Thematic analysis revealed four themes; two regarding attitudes to UV exposure (confusion and contradiction, and change and continuity), and two relating to the facial morphing intervention (negative reactions to UV-exposed photo and positive outcomes of the intervention). Women experienced a number of barriers to adopting safer behaviour in the sun; their current attitudes to UV exposure had been shaped by available information sources throughout their ageing. They expressed negative evaluations of the UV photo, which fed directly into motivation to reduce UV exposure. CONCLUSIONS: These results can be interpreted along the lines of goal-directed behaviour. This type of intervention has the potential to reduce UV exposure among this participant group, something that needs to be further investigated with randomised control trials.
As a majority of skin cancer cases are behaviourally preventable, it is crucial to develop effective strategies to reduce UV exposure. Health-focused interventions have not proved to be sufficiently effective, and it has been suggested that people might be more susceptible to information about the negative effects of the sun on their appearance. Method: This systematic review of 30 separate papers, reporting 33 individual studies published between 2005 and 2017 assesses the overall effectiveness of appearance interventions on participants’ UV exposure and sun protection behaviour. Results: Appearance-based interventions have positive effects on sun exposure and sun protection, immediately after the intervention as well as up to 12 months afterwards. The meta-analysis found a medium effect size on sun protection intentions for interventions which combined UV photography and photoaging information: r+ = .424; k = 3, N =319, CI = .279 - .568, p = .023. Conclusions: We provide a review of current research on the effectiveness of appearance-based interventions to reduce UV exposure. As well as highlighting methodological issues we recommend that practitioners administer a UV photo intervention in combination with photo-aging information to reduce UV exposure. Furthermore, the review specifically recommends that future research focuses on the use of theoretical constructs to enhance photoaging information, and is conducted with older participants and in countries where people have less opportunity for sun exposure.
Objectives: Skin cancer is a growing problem globally. Older men have been largely ignored in previous research, even though men may generally be prone to riskier exposure to the sun than women. Past research suggests that appearance-focused techniques such as facial morphing can increase motivations to use sun protection among women of all ages, and younger men. Design: was qualitative, consisting of individual interviews. Method: was semi-structured interviews with 25 older men, to examine attitudes to UV exposure and reactions to a facial morphing intervention. Interviews were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Three themes were constructed: masculine UV exposure; appearance that’s accepted; personal responsibility. The men did not identify gaps in their sun protection behaviour, and demonstrated a lack of concern about ageing and appearance. These attitudes translated into a lack of motivation for behaviour change due to ageing acceptance. However, motivation to change behaviour came from health concerns resulting from the intervention. Conclusions: The men experienced different motivations and barriers for sun protection use than women of similar ages. Facial morphing can be effective with older men, but may need to be reframed to focus on health implications and personal choice.
A Small Scale Evaluation of the Leeds Street Support Programme
Background. The relation between psychopathic traits and suicide ideation (SI) is frequently discussed but little research has examined potential mechanisms underlying this association. The interpersonal theory of suicide (ITS) proposes two mechanisms in the pathogenesis of suicidal desire: thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB). This study cross-sectionally tested TB and PB as possible explanatory links in the relation between psychopathic traits and SI. Method. Archival data from 784 male United Kingdom prisoners (Mage = 37.21, SD = 9.97) were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results. Psychopathic traits were indirectly associated with SI through more specific suicide-promoting processes—namely, TB and PB. More specifically, results indicated that Egocentricity and Stimulus Seeking were indirectly associated with SI through PB and TB in combination. However, results indicated specific indirect effects of TB in the relations between the Antisocial Behavior, Egocentricity, and Stimulus Seeking facets, and SI; whereas, specific indirect effects for PB were only significant in the relations between Egocentricity and Stimulus Seeking facets and SI. Conclusion. Preliminary results are consistent with the ITS and suggest that psychopathic traits may be distal risk markers for SI and provide direction for future research that could inform suicide prevention efforts among male prisoners high in such traits.
The recently released 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) classifies posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) as distinct, yet related, disorders within the spectrum of trauma and stress-related disorders. This study aimed to explore the construct validity of the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), a measure of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD symptoms among prison governors (i.e., wardens in the U.S. and Canada). Trauma-exposed prison wardens (N = 409) aged 26 to 82 years (M = 50.04, SD = 7.97) provided their data online anonymously. Confirmatory factor analyses were performed to evaluate the construct validity of ITQ scores. When using the five-point item response scale, our five first-order factor model produced the best fit to the data; however, when using a dichotomous item scale, the first-order two-factor PTSD and disturbances of self-organization (DSO) model produced the best fit to the data. These results indicate that item-coding and estimation methods can significantly impact conclusions about the best-fitting model for this measure among trauma-exposed prison governors.
Evaluating the work of Tempus Novo
Background: International evidence suggests that women experience a range of health and wellbeing challenges during menopause, and perimenopause. Current literature highlights the need for women to be educated about menopause, yet limited evidence exists in England about community-based menopause programmes that focus on educating women on this issue. Study’s objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate a gender-specific (women-only) menopause-focused educational programme delivered in one English local authority area. Setting: A bespoke educational programme on menopause was delivered to women (n= 146) living in one geographical area, via 10 voluntary and community sector organisations, between July 2023 and March 2024. Method: This mixed methods, co-produced evaluation gathered data using pre- and post-course questionnaires (n= 51), learning logs (n= 7), observations of meetings (n= 5) and semi-structured interviews (professionals n= 11; course attendees, n= 7). Differences between pre- and post-test scores were calculated using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and effect sizes were identified. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results: The programme met its aims. The evaluation data show that this community-based, women-only educational programme was valued by delivery partners and course attendees alike, all of whom noted learning through their participation. Women as course attendees increased their knowledge and were able to use this education to improve their health. Conclusion: The programme worked well for the women who accessed it. However, it did not reach all the women who may have needed it, and it was only funded for a short while. Longer term, more sustainable educational provision to educate and inform women about menopause is required.
Current teaching
Katie supervises undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students. She is the module leader for the Psychology of Complex Behaviour module (Level 5) and the Final Year Project.
Current PhD supervision:
- Ruth Knapman (Director of Studies) with Dr Alexandria Bradley (Co-Supervisor). Promoting desistance? The experience of mentors in the Shannon Trust Reading Plan in Prisons.
- Margot Avella (Director of Studies) with Prof. Rachel Armitage (Co-Supervisor). Analysis of the behavioural features of serial rapists within the French context.
- Palvinder Kaur (Supervisor) with Dr Kris Southby (Director of Studies) and Dr Joanne Trigwell. Dru Yoga Therapy as a Mental Health Intervention in Policing: Exploring organisational, cultural and structural resistance and Therapeutic Potential.
Completed PGR supervision:
- Saffron Francis (Director of Studies; 2025) with Dr Peter Taylor (University of Manchester; Co-supervisor) and Dr Brendan Dunlop (University of Manchester; Co-supervisor). Examining Social Identification, Discrimination, and Connectedness in Relation to Self-harm in Sexual and Racial Minorities (ClinPsyD).
- Toluwalase (Hannah) Fabiyi (Co-Supervisor; 2025). The Influence of Social Media on Transgressive Behaviour among Young People in Nottingham (PhD).
- Sarah Davis (Co-Supervisor; 2025). An investigation of whether Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) can be an addictive behaviour (MRes).
- Sofia Persson (Co-Supervisor; 2019). An investigation of the effectiveness of facial morphing in promoting the use of sun protection in men and women aged 35 years and older (PhD)
- Sonia Shagufta (Co-Supervisor; 2015). Criminal Social Identity in a Sample of Incarcerated Juvenile Offenders in Pakistan (PhD).
Teaching Activities (3)
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The Influence of social media on Transgressive Behaviour among Young People in Nottingham
September 2023
Joint supervisor
Promoting desistance? The experiences Shannon Trust mentors and learners in Prisons
2020 - 2026
Lead supervisor
Yoga therapy and wellbeing for frontline police officers
01 October 2025 - 30 September 2029
Lead supervisor
Featured Research Projects
Voices for Freedom
Voices for Freedom, where survivor stories lead the way. Through powerful testimonies and creative storytelling, this project reimagines Kenya's counter-trafficking response, turning lived experiences into tools for healing, advocacy, and systemic change.
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Dr Katie Dhingra
20038



