University of Twente Student Theses
The Role of Acute Dynamic Risk Factors in Forensic Treatment
Pietsch, Samuel (2025) The Role of Acute Dynamic Risk Factors in Forensic Treatment.
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| Abstract: | Risk factors are central aspects of forensic treatment, as they represent contextual, behavioural and psychological characteristics of offenders that influence recidivism risk. Static and stable dynamic risk factors (SDRFs) are well-established and widely used in forensic practice to predict long-term recidivism risk. However, the role of acute dynamic risk factors (ADRFs), which fluctuate rapidly and are useful for short-term risk prediction, is underexplored. This study examines the contemporary role of ADRFs in forensic treatment, by analysing semi-structured interviews with 27 forensic therapists and researchers. By applying thematic analysis, this study explores how ADRFs are addressed across four treatment phases; diagnostics, risk assessment, therapy, and rehabilitation. Findings indicate that ADRFs are considered along the four phases of treatment, however by a minority of participants. ADRFs seem to be more prominent during treatment and rehabilitation, while their role in diagnostics and risk assessment appears comparatively lower. Risk assessment tools predominantly focus on static and SDRFs, with ADRF-specific instruments being used by a minority of participants. Based on the results, practical constraints, such as frequent assessment and resource limitations, seem to influence the limited use of acute-specific instruments. Moreover, addressing ADRFs in forensic treatment appears to be challenging due to their quickly fluctuating nature, suggesting the need for continued improvement in treatment approaches. For future research, it is interesting to explore more efficient assessment and management techniques to facilitate the integration of ADRFs into forensic treatment. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106147 |
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