Correctional Rehabilitation and Human Functioning: An Embodied, Embedded, and Enactive Approach

<p>In order for correctional rehabilitation practices to be maximally effective, they should be grounded in well-developed psychological theory about the causes, development, and nature of crime. This thesis argues that these theories of crime should be based in an underlying perspective of human functioning, or how people work at a fundamental level. I argue that this level of theory has been neglected in theories of crime, as demonstrated through an evaluation of the Risk-Need-Responsivity model of rehabilitation, which currently stands as the most popular and widely used rehabilitation framework throughout much of the world. This perspective is understood to implicitly present a view of functioning which is reward-oriented, multifactorial, norm-based, and modular, resulting in limited explanatory value and diminished treatment efficacy. I then suggest an alternative model of functioning as being embodied, embedded, and enactive (3e). 3e places an emphasis on the individual as an embodied whole, in an adaptive relationship with their physical and social environment. 3e prioritises the affective experience and agency of the individual, with a commitment to viewing the person as a functional whole drawing on comprehensive multilevel explanations. I outline how this perspective could be used to inform the explanation of crime, before applying the model to an exemplar to demonstrate the potential treatment utility of a 3e approach to correctional rehabilitation, as opposed to an RNR approach.</p>

Correctional Rehabilitation and Human Functioning: An Embodied, Embedded, and Enactive Approach

<p>In order for correctional rehabilitation practices to be maximally effective, they should be grounded in well-developed psychological theory about the causes, development, and nature of crime. This thesis argues that these theories of crime should be based in an underlying perspective of human functioning, or how people work at a fundamental level. I argue that this level of theory has been neglected in theories of crime, as demonstrated through an evaluation of the Risk-Need-Responsivity model of rehabilitation, which currently stands as the most popular and widely used rehabilitation framework throughout much of the world. This perspective is understood to implicitly present a view of functioning which is reward-oriented, multifactorial, norm-based, and modular, resulting in limited explanatory value and diminished treatment efficacy. I then suggest an alternative model of functioning as being embodied, embedded, and enactive (3e). 3e places an emphasis on the individual as an embodied whole, in an adaptive relationship with their physical and social environment. 3e prioritises the affective experience and agency of the individual, with a commitment to viewing the person as a functional whole drawing on comprehensive multilevel explanations. I outline how this perspective could be used to inform the explanation of crime, before applying the model to an exemplar to demonstrate the potential treatment utility of a 3e approach to correctional rehabilitation, as opposed to an RNR approach.</p>

ACT in Schools: A Public Health Approach

This chapter makes the conceptual and empirical case for using acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with youth in school settings. We provide background for this project by making a logical, evidence-based case for school-based mental health services more generally. We then outline a public health approach to using ACT in schools via multitiered system of supports (MTSS), which emphasizes scaled prevention at universal, targeted, and intensive levels. Following, we review the existing literature on ACT in schools—concluding there is adequate evidence to support use at the targeted level, encouraging yet weaker evidence supporting use at the universal level, and promising yet extremely limited evidence for use at the intensive level. We close the chapter by discussing the limitations and challenges of using ACT in schools, offering future directions for progressing research and practice. We suggest future work in this area might especially benefit from (a) enhancing the methodological rigor of research designs in school-based studies, (b) testing the viability of brief or focused ACT at the targeted level in schools, (c) investigating the treatment utility of ACT-related process measures in schools, and (d) expanding the scope of ACT in schools to promote the wellbeing of teachers and other educators.

A Framework for Sustainable Planning and Decision-Making on Resource Recovery from Wastewater: Showcase for São Paulo Megacity

Currently, it is important to develop strategic frameworks to support the selection of sustainable resource recovery solutions. This study applies a new framework for planning, implementation, and assessment of resource recovery strategies for a full-scale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in São Paulo megacity. The framework comprises several steps based on case study-specific data and information from current literature. Data were collected from various sources: a survey with a wastewater treatment utility, national and regional databases, and review of local regulations and international literature. Treatment configuration, wastewater and by-products composition, potential demand (for water, energy, and phosphorus), stakeholder identification, and local legislation were thoroughly discussed regarding decision-making on resource recovery. Scenario analysis was used to explore suitable nutrient and energy recovery measures based on indicators. Biogas recovery and sewage sludge composting showed more favorable conditions due to similar experiences in the area and robust legislation. The proposed framework is a simplified tool, and its application can support managers to get information on resource recovery and how to plan such initiatives in easier ways to facilitate wiser decision-making, and better operation and management. The results on framework use and refinement can guide potential applications in other contexts and stimulate public policy formulation and further research.

Treatment Utility of Clinical Assessment

The extent to which clinical assessment enhances subsequent treatment benefits for patients has long been controversial, and we suggest specifying and examining more closely the conditions by which assessment can – or cannot - contribute to treatment process and ultimately patient benefit. We argue that this can contribute to more informative research on this very important question, and provide illustrative examples from clinical assessment practice.

Self-Ratings of Personality Pathology: Insights Regarding Their Validity and Treatment Utility

Purpose of Review: The validity of self-ratings of personality pathology often are questioned because personality disorders (PD) historically have been viewed as being characterized by poor insight. However, recent research indicates that PD self-ratings are valid in many ways and have significant clinical utility. Building upon this growing literature, our goal here is to provide practical discussion of how incorporating dimensional PD ratings into assessment protocols can benefit diagnosis and treatment. Recent findings: We first review evidence suggesting that PD self-ratings are particularly useful for assessing constructs related to individuals’ own subjective experiences (e.g., propensities for experiencing negative mood states). We then highlight research indicating that PD self-ratings (a) change positively with intervention and (b) meaningfully inform diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment outcome. Finally, we illustrate how freely available, well-validated self-report PD measures can be used to efficiently obtain clinically useful information in a manner comprehensible to both practitioners and patients. Summary: Self-ratings of personality pathology are valid and useful in many ways and can be efficiently incorporated into assessment protocols. Key future directions for advancing knowledge of self-report PD assessment include examining the extent to which self-ratings of antagonism—a core PD trait—are accurate across contexts.