An exploration of treatment providers experiences of delivering a high intensity intervention, with violent offenders
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRPP-04-2022-0017 |
| Published date | 27 July 2022 |
| Date | 27 July 2022 |
| Pages | 260-271 |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology |
| Author | Rachel Connell,Darren Johnson |
An exploration of treatment providers
experiences of delivering a high intensity
intervention, with violent offenders
Rachel Connell and Darren Johnson
Abstract
Purpose –Whilst a great deal of researchexists on the effectiveness of treatment with violent offenders
comparativelylittle is known about the experience of treatment providers.The purpose of this paper is to
explore the experiences of four prison officers delivering a high-intensity intervention, with violent
offenders.
Design/methodology/approach –A qualitative approach was used to gain a rich, individualised
account of treatment providers’ experiences, with interpretativephenomenological analysis applied by
the leadresearcher (first author). Externalauditing analysis was conductedby the second author.
Findings –The analysisgenerated two superordinate themes: ‘‘Impacton Self-Coping’’ and ‘‘With Great
Challenge Comes GreatReward’’ with pertinent sub-themes. The findings support the existingevidence
regarding the relevance of individual characteristics and coping style on well-being, regardless of the
nature of the offences being discussed. Working with violent offenders could be challenging yet
rewardingwith adequate support in place.
Practical implications –It is imperative that treatment providers are offered support and
encouragement in undertaking their role and that a rehabilitative culture is promoted and reinforced
within custodial environments. Additional training for facilitators to develop effective self-coping
strategieswas recommended in addition to carefulmanagement of delivery periods.
Originality/value –These findings add to the evidence base in relation to the impact of high-intensity
treatmentprovision on individual well-being; suggestions are madeto support clinicaland organisational
good practice.
Keywords Violent offender, Intervention, Treatment provider, Coping, Supervision,
Rehabilitative culture, Treatment
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
A great deal of literature exists on the topic of violent offending including the aetiology and
criminogenic risk factors for violence (Riedel and Welsh, 2015), treatment and preventative
strategies (Polaschek, 2019;Jolliffe and Farrington, 2007) and risk management planning
(Kemshall and Maguire, 2001). Given the serious nature of violent offending in terms of
harm caused and the disproportionate amount of violent offences committed (Falk et al.,
2014), violent risk focused treatment is of clinical importance. In spite of a plethora of
research into the effectiveness of treatment for violent offenders, less is known about the
processes that underpin treatment delivery, an essential area of exploration when
considering violent offenders can be harder to engage in offence-focused work (Chambers
et al.,2008
).
In regard to treatment effectiveness and in accordance with the risk–need–responsivity
(RNR) principles (Bonta and Andrews, 2016), more intensive programmes with greater
Rachel Connell is based at
Department of Psychology,
HM Prison Low Moss within
the Scottish Prison Service,
Edinburgh, UK.
Darren Johnson is based at
the School of Psychology,
Newcastle University,
Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
Received 25 April 2022
Revised 5 July 2022
Accepted 5 July 2022
The authors are grateful for the
assistance of the SCP
facilitators who kindly agreed to
participate in the research, and
the support of Kirsty Bremner,
SCP Clinical Lead, and Clare
Robinson, first authors Clinical
Supervisor.
PAGE 260 jJOURNAL OF CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCH, POLICY AND PRAC TICE jVOL. 8 NO. 4 2022, pp. 260-271, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2056-3841 DOI 10.1108/JCRPP-04-2022-0017
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