Correctional Psychology and Its Procedures

Introduction Psychology is a very broad area that covers various aspects of human life. Correctional psychology is a branch of psychology which works on the principle of applying psychology as a means of correcting behavior in a correctional setting through processes like rehabilitation, treatment among others.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Correctional Psychology and Its Procedures specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Correctional psychology is under forensic psychology which is a field that utilizes psychological procedures in the justice system. Forensic psychology is an area that is practiced by a variety of persons in their work for instance researchers, correctional psychologists and clinical psychologists. Personnel in the criminal justice system with vast knowledge on psychology may also practice it in their duties. This paper gives a detailed discussion on correctional psychology covering aspects like the personality inventories used in selection of correction psychologist, duties and activities of a correctional psychologist and the challenges faced, the career opportunities in the field of correctional psychology as well as the goal of incarceration and challenges faced by the correctional psychologists in their activities and practices. Three Personality Inventories Used For Correctional Psychologist Selection and Their Validity The psychologist’s role in the personnel selection process is not far-reaching. Most of the applicants are not usually qualified and some have different interests where they come with the opposite perception of the job taking it as that of a police officer rather than the underrated routine and neglected role of a correctional officer. The psychologist is however charged with the responsibility of screening correctional officer applications in terms of mental competency by ensuring that the candidates do not suffer from any mental illness w hich may make them incapable of dealing with the stressing conditions that surrounds a correctional psychologist. There are various personality inventories that are applied in the process of selection of collection psychologists. Here are some of them and their validity. The inward personality inventory is an inventory that aids in the screening and selection of correctional psychologists. It has 26 scales that are used to gauge the stress reactions and unexpected behavior among the candidates looking at aspects like lateness and absenteeism, antisocial behavior and use of drugs and alcohol. This is a good way to measure of personality as it has shown positive result. It was once able to accurately categorize 73 percent of 719 male correctional officers showing whether they qualified for the hire or not. The MMPI produced a 63 percent accuracy rate for the same hence its efficiency and effectiveness (Correia, 2009).Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Minnesota multiphase personality inventory (MMPI) is also a tool utilized in the selection process. It is one of the regularly used inventories in personality assessment. It however have some drawbacks since it is very long with some old scales making the process of testing lengthy though it still have some relevance as it measures truth in the information provided by the candidates. It is also useful in measuring the psychological distress and dysfunction of the candidates. This inventory has also undergone some revisions for instance the MMPI-2 among others in an effort to better its efficiency and effectiveness (Black et al., 2004). The revised NEO personality inventory (NEO PI-R) is also an inventory that is used in the selection process. It was established from the five-factor theory of normal personality functioning. It has proved to be very essential in the selection process as it can gauge various behavior of the candidates for example the academic levels, firearm use, physical training among other factors that should be assessed in the selection of the correctional officers. It is through the examination of the personality functioning and use of the results attained that the selection could be effective. This inventory is a measure of five domains of personality together with the facets associated with the domains. These are aimed at coming up with an informed and detailed assessment of an individual’s personality. It checks on aspects like anxiety, impulsiveness, extraversion, vulnerability, and openness to experience, trust and straightforwardness, compliance, deliberation, ability to strive achievement among others (Detrick, 2004). Career Opportunities in Correctional Psychology There are a variety career opportunities in the field of forensic psychology in general and also in the specification of correctional psychology. The career opportunities provided in foren sic psychology and correctional psychology include; training opportunities, health care, psychology, chaplaincy, education, operational support, and administration and management schemes, catering among other opportunities. The correctional psychologists undertake some duties like overseeing convicts, facilitating community outreach programs, educating and treating the offenders, coordinating supervised release programs and working closely with offenders as they re-integrate with the community. They also undertake forensic assessment and offer treatment services in institutions and correctional settings and undertake some legal activities aimed at assisting law enforcement officers.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Correctional Psychology and Its Procedures specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More They are as well engaged in research activities aimed at improving their correctional services and the field of psyc hology in general. The field of correctional psychology has a lot of career opportunities and those involved could find themselves attached in any work place due the fact that their skills and knowledge could be applied in almost all field of life increasing their chances of being employed (Cherry, n.d). There are various benefits associated with having a career in correctional psychology some of which are having an opportunity to assist others to improve on their lives which could not be possible in some other careers especially those that do not involve interaction with people. It also exposes a person to numerous career paths for instance consulting, education, government and criminal courts a chance which is not there in many careers that emphasize on specialization. It is also a career that is very rewarding although it has a lot of challenges due to the satisfaction experienced by the employees as they help people. It is however not without some drawbacks for example, it requi res considerable commitment in terms of time required in training and also the tasks are very involving and stressing. The benefits in terms of pay are also low compared to the education acquired and work done. The correctional psychologists are also faced with problems like stress and frustration especially when the criminals seem hard to deal with. Duties and Activities of a Correctional Psychologist in the Department Of Corrections A correctional psychologist is charged with various duties all aimed at correcting the behavior of the people involved in various correctional settings. The psychologists for example give direct services to the inmates which may include intervening in case of crisis and administering therapy to individuals and groups of people where need be for example where the affected people are deemed to have abused drugs, alcohol and other substances, committed sexual abuse or being involved in violent and criminal activities. Administering of psychological assess ment techniques is also part of the duties of a correctional psychologist. The assessment techniques could either be of educational, vocational, based on personality, intellectual or even attitude essence depending on the specifications of the case in question. It is after administering the techniques that the correctional psychologist is expected to interpret the results attained and use them to prepare comprehensive and informative reports whose recommendations are very significant in decision making. They are particularly used in the release of the inmates, changing their security conditions and most importantly they guide in the process of assigning programs to the inmate or those in probation and parole sessions.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is also the responsibility of a correctional psychologist to offer consultation services in relation to corrections employees for instance the process of screening and selection, offering counseling session, and also mental health consultation in collaboration with other personnel for instance the crisis support teams. The correctional psychologists also engage in research work which is deemed to be of significance in the field of correctional psychology and general psychology as a whole (Dvoskin and Spier, 2004). The correctional psychologists are involved in activities like evaluating candidates who may reveal some history of treatment by a psychiatrist. This may be done through extensive private interviews to gauge the extent to which they can cope with the stress and isolation associated with the work of a correctional psychologist. They are also entitled with the maintenance of security in the institutions and safety for all those in their custody and also offering rehabilit ation services to the inmates. They also offer mental health care to the institutions including consultation, prevention of suicide and other offenses, making sure that the inmate are treated in a humane manner, prevention of substance abuse and intervening in times of crisis (Tewksbury, R and Ehrhardt, 2008). The Goals of Incarceration According to Rafner (2010), Incarceration is the confinement of an individual in jail as a form of punishment for a crime or offence committed. Individuals are incarcerated when they are suspected or convicted of committing a criminal offence. There are various goals of incarceration the main ones being for custodial, rehabilitation and reintegration purposes. Incarceration aims at correcting and changing the behavior of prison inmates. The process is administered with the main goal of ensuring that the convicted criminals are positive and productive by the time they terminate their jail terms. Custodial is one of the goals of the incarceration proce ss. It aims at protecting citizens from any criminal acts that could be perpetrated by the convicts when they are among them. It acts under the principle that when the dangerous members of the community are confined in the prisons, the law abiding citizens are more secure. It also minimizes the chances of the inmates engaging in other criminal activities while they are still serving their sentences. It ensures that security, discipline and order are maintained through the use of the rules in the prisons. The behavior of the inmates can easily be maintained while they are in custody of the law enforcers as compared to when they are not. Rehabilitation is the other goal of incarceration and is executed through various means for instance individual and group counseling especially where the convicts are involved with acts of violence or abuse of substances. Counseling instills sense in them as they are informed of the effects of their acts and the advantages of avoiding them. Provision of training in various fields of life also help in the rehabilitation process as they are able to gain skills and knowledge which help them to be busy and productive while in prison and also after their release. Therapy also helps in rehabilitation for instance the anger and stress management therapies (Sprott, and Doob, 1998). Reintegration entails the transition of the inmates from the law enforcement facilities back to the community. It is a process that emphasizes on maintaining the offender’s ties to their families and the community at large as a way of reforming, bearing in mind the fact that the prisoners will at one point return to the society. The integration model allows the correctional psychologist and other prison staff to gradually give the inmates greater freedom and responsibilities while they are still confined by engaging them in programs that help them adapt well to the community life before they are released. All this collectively works towards keeping the society safe from the dangerous offenders or criminals and also changing the lives of the criminals through rehabilitation ensuring that they are able to live positively and productively once they are outside the prisons rather than engaging in criminal activities once more hence getting back to the custody of the law enforcers. This is done through isolation which prevents chances of committing more crimes, some punishment, deterrence of others from committing crimes and changing of perceptions and attitudes (Lawston, 2008). Challenges Faced By Correctional Psychologists in the Performance of Their Duties The work of the correctional psychologists is not that smooth and it is faced with a lot of challenges especially due to its nature where it entails too much stress and isolation. Some of the challenges faced include the development of an integrated theoretical framework which is very vital in executing and managing the activities and practices they engage in, the establishment a nd definition of the classifications of persons in the facilities together with practical relevance that support the treatment alternatives and development of treatment and control strategies as well as evaluating their effectiveness and effectiveness. The correctional psychologists also encounter the challenge of devising efficient and effective means for utilization of research, development of data and information bases that is utilized by social agencies especially those who handle crime and delinquency programs. This information aid in evaluation and monitoring of the programs and also enhances research. They also get difficulties in collection of information for assessment and treatment since some clients are not willing to offer personal information making the process of rehabilitation difficult as the needs of the clients are not well known. The correctional psychologists also have to manage their emotions, feelings and biases when handling their clients to avoid compromising the assessment process or developing stress and depression. They also deal with the manipulative nature of their clients who may be difficult to handle. Little pay in relation to the education got and work done is also a challenge as it affects their living standards negatively (Gottfredson, 1972). Conclusion Correctional psychology is a very active and fast growing branch of forensic psychology and lot of importance has been attached to it. The services of correctional psychologists are greatly essential because they make considerable contributions in correcting behavior for instance through the classification of inmates using the inmate classification systems, psychological assessments, substance abuse treatment, employment of crisis intervention strategies, and evaluation of programs among other services. Reference List Black, S.M et al. (2004).Using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) to Detect Psychological Distress and Dysfunction in a State Correctiona l Setting. Criminal Justice and Behavior journal vol. 31 no. 6 734-751. Cherry, K. (n.d.). Forensic Psychology Careers. Web. Correia, M.K. (2009). A Handbook for Correctional Psychologists: Guidance for the Prison Practitioner.2nd ed. USA: Charles C Thomas Publisher. Detrick, P. (2004).The Revised NEO Personality Inventory as Predictor of Police Academy Performance. Criminal Justice and Behavior journal vol. 31 no. 6 676-694. Dvoskin, A. J and Spier, M.E. (2004). On The Role of Correctional Officer in Prison Mental Health. Psychiatric quarterly Vol. 75, number 1, 41-59. Gottfredson, M.D. (1972). Five Challenges. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency July 1972 vol. 9 no. 2 68-86. Lawston, M.J. (2008).Women, the Criminal Justice System, and Incarceration: Processes of Power, Silence, and Resistance. NWSA Journal, Volume 20, Number 2, pp. 1-18. Rafner, D. (2010). Goals of Incarceration Rehabilitation. Web. Sprott, B.J. and Doob, N.A. (1998). Understanding Provincial Variation i n Incarceration Rates. Canadian Journal of Criminology, Vol. 40. Tewksbury, R and Ehrhardt, E. (2008). Correctional Orientations of Prison Staff. The Prison Journal Volume: 88 Issue: 2, 207-233. This research paper on Correctional Psychology and Its Procedures was written and submitted by user Shockwave to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

My Work Experience Diary Essay Example

My Work Experience Diary Essay Example My Work Experience Diary Essay My Work Experience Diary Essay It was my first day of work experience, (I worked at the Morrisons head office at the Cutler Heights Division) I woke up at 8:00a. m, and I got ready and went downstairs and ate breakfast. I went to my work experience with my brother in his car, I got there on time, I was nervous and thought it was going to be boring but it was quite interesting really. I went inside and the receptionist told me to sit down while she called someone. A man named Mike came and took me into the administration department and into his office. (He was the company accountant). He told me all about the company and what it does and what I was going to do. I had my own desk with a computer. I started off with some filing and later on I did some production orders on the computer. There were 7 people in the same as room as me. They were friendly and kind to me. I finished at approximately 3:00, the senior clerk (whose name was Angela) told me I had done a good job and I could go home. I was working next to a motorway and had to go through tunnels to get to the bus stop. At first I couldnt find the bus stop but after ten minutes I found it and had to wait for about five minutes before the bus came. I got on and I found out that the bus was going the other way from which I came in the morning, but I thought he might be going another way so I sat down. I was worried I might be going somewhere else so I thought I should ask him, when I asked him he told me Huddersfield. I told him to let me off at the next bus stop and asked him where the bus stop to Bradford was. He told me and I got off and I had to walk quite a long way back, but I found the bus stop straight way and got on, this time I asked the bus driver where the bus was going and he told me Bradford. I was relieved, I sat down and got home fifteen twenty minutes later. The next day, I woke up earlier because I had to go on the bus. I didnt want to go because I was tired but I managed to get up and get ready. I got at my workplace on time. I went to my desk and sat down and waited for the Angela to come and tell me what work I should do. I started off doing some lot number accounting that was just sorting out some lot numbers. I did that for most of the day and did some typing on the computer later on; I was bored to death and shattered at the end of the day. I went straight home and went to sleep for a few hours. The next few days were the same, I felt like not coming but I thought I might as well. On the last day of the first week the manager Karen asked me, how I was settling in and if I liked the work or not. I said, Its alright. I was happy at the end of the day when I went home so I could go home and relax. The next week on Monday, I wasnt feeling too well, so I decided not to go, so I stayed at home and watched TV and played on my computer. II phoned and told my manager that I wasnt coming in and she said it was fine and told me that she hoped I would be better tomorrow. The next two days I went to work and did similar work on both days, which were typing, and some filing. On Thursday I went quite late because I overslept and Angela was talking to Karen, when I went in I was a bit nervous because I thought she might ask me why I came late but when I went in Angela looked at her watch and gave Karen a glance to tell her that I was late but Karen didnt notice her. She just came over and gave me some paper to sort out. Later on when everyone had gone to lunch, Angela came to me and asked me why I came late, I told her that I overslept and I apologized to her. She said if this was a real job, the manager wouldve given me a warning and some bosses may even throw me out. The rest of the day I did some production orders and went home before 3:00 because everyone was finishing early so I got home early. The next day I made sure I went in early and they were all working when I went in, I went to the desk and started doing the work that was already on the desk. At break everyone went to get a snack from the canteen but I was fasting so I had to stay. Karen asked me how Id liked the job and I said it was very good. I did some filing and accounting and finished at 3:00 and said goodbye to everyone and I left and took one last look at the Morrisons Company and left smiling.