| Summary: | Background
Beliefs about the fixed or malleable nature of human attributes (implicit theories) can influence how one responds to others. Therefore, implicit theories are an important area for empirical inquiry. As individuals who sexually offend represent a highly stigmatised group who cause significant harm but are often deemed unchangeable, understanding how implicit theories (or beliefs about change) may influence attitudes and responses to individuals with sexual convictions is a particular area of interest. Encouraging the possibility of change is crucial in producing good outcomes for people who commit sexual offences and therefore reducing recidivism. However, research examining how beliefs about change may impact those who sexually offend is lacking. Very few studies have examined professionals’ implicit theories in particular which may have important clinical implications for working with individuals with sexual convictions.
Aims
This thesis aims to review the literature in relation to implicit theories and responses to those with criminal convictions more broadly, before exploring the nature of implicit theories amongst a range of professionals working in forensic mental healthcare settings and their impact on attitudes towards individuals with sexual convictions and risk management judgements.
Method
To achieve these aims, three methodological approaches were utilised. The relationship between implicit theories and responses to individuals with criminal convictions more generally was explored by conducting a systematic review. Two quantitative empirical research studies were conducted to explore the nature of implicit theories amongst professionals in forensic mental healthcare settings and their impact upon attitudes towards individuals with sexual convictions and clinically relevant risk management judgements. The primary study involved administering an analysing a battery of self-report questionnaires, whilst the second involved analysing responses to hypothetical sexual offence scenarios. Finally, the psychometric properties of the attitudinal measure administered in the empirical research studies was critiqued so that accurate conclusions about attitudes and associated factors (i.e., implicit theories) can be drawn, to inform clinical practice.
Key findings
Incremental theories (or growth mindsets) tend to promote more positive attitudes, less punitiveness and more support for rehabilitation strategies for individuals with criminal convictions. Professionals are more likely to hold growth mindset than fixed mindsets, particularly when in more treatment-oriented roles. Professionals exhibiting growth mindset display more positive attitudes towards individuals with sexual convictions and respond more favourably with regards to risk management decisions. Implications for clinical practice include promoting growth mindsets through supervision and mindset-enhanced training.
Conclusions
This thesis has demonstrated that professionals’ beliefs about change have important implications for working with individuals with sexual convictions and subsequently their successful rehabilitation. Evidence suggests that incremental theories or growth mindsets lead to more positive attitudes and favourable responses to individuals who sexually offend, which in turn is likely to have a positive impact on outcomes. This thesis has opened new avenues for improving attitudinal and behavioural responses of a range of professionals working in forensic mental healthcare settings towards individuals with sexual convictions; through promoting growth mindsets.
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