bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re‐examining the components of transformational and transactional leadership using the Multifactor Leadership
Authors: Avolio Bruce J. , Bass Bernard M. , Jung Dong I.
Published: February 2003

A total of 3786 respondents in 14 independent samples, ranging in size from 45 to 549 in US and foreign firms and agencies, completed the latest version of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ Form 5X), each describing their respective leader. Based on prior literature, nine models representing different factor structures were compared to determine the best fit for the MLQ survey. The models were tested in an original set of nine samples, and then in a second replication set comprised of five samples. Results indicated the factor structure for the MLQ survey was best represented by six lower order factors and three correlated higher‐order factors.
Motivational bases of affective organizational commitment: A partial test of an integrative theoretical model
Authors: Eby Lillian T. , Freeman Deena M. , Rush Michael C. , Lance Charles E.
Published: February 2003

A theoretical process‐oriented model of affective organizational commitment is presented to explain the psychological mechanisms that may trigger individuals' affective commitment to their organization. An operational version of the model is tested, along with several theoretically based alternative models, using meta‐analytic correlations and structural equations modelling. Results suggest that intrinsic motivation is a partial mediator of the relationship between several exogenous variables (job characteristics and work context variables) and work attitudes (affective organizational commitment and general job satisfaction). In addition, affective commitment and general job satisfaction are related to turnover behaviour, whereas only affective commitment is related to absenteeism. Implications for theory and applied research are discussed.
Women‐friendly HRM and organizational commitment: A study among women and men of organizations in Hong Kong
Authors: Chiu Warren C. K. , Ng Catherine W.
Published: February 2003

This study found that women‐friendly policies are not prevalent in organizations in Hong Kong. To ascertain if organizations that are more women‐friendly have more committed employees, working men and women in the territory were surveyed. Controlling for ‘national origin of organization’, the research results indicate that family‐ and work‐related factors impact on both women's and men's organizational commitment. But women‐friendly policies have a positive impact only on women—and only on their affective commitment, not on continuance commitment. The finding indicates that employees who are more likely to benefit directly from progressive policies that symbolize concern for them would become psychologically more attached to their organizations than those who perceive little value in the policies for their work lives.
An examination of the discriminant validity of the Strain‐Free Negative Affectivity scale
Authors: Fortunato Vincent J. , Jex Steve M. , Heinish Deanne A.
Published: February 2003

This study reports evidence supporting the discriminant validity of the Strain‐Free Negative Affectivity (SFNA) scale (Fortunato & Stone‐Romero, 1999). Stressorstrain correlations controlling for neuroticism and negative emotional reactivity (NER), both considered markers of negative affectivity (NA), were examined using partial correlation and latent variable procedures. Support was found for the authors' hypothesis that correlations between self‐reports of work‐related stressors and physiological and psychological strain would be attenuated to a much greater degree when neuroticism was controlled than when NER was controlled. Thus the SFNA is a viable measure of NA, especially for research examining stressor‐strain relations.
Labour market interventions as predictors of re‐employment, job seeking activity and psychological distress among the unemployed
Authors: Vuori Jukka , Vesalainen Janne
Published: February 2003

This one‐year follow‐up study focused on the impact of labour market interventions (i.e. guidance courses, vocational training and subsidized employment) on re‐employment, job‐seeking activity and psychological distress of the unemployed. Another aim was to investigate how individual factors, especially one's financial situation, are related to re‐employment, job‐seeking activity and psychological distress. The results show that participation in guidance courses predicted re‐employment, whereas vocational training and subsidized employment did not have any effect on re‐employment. Of the individual factors, job‐seeking activity, and being married or co‐habiting in a steady relationship, predicted reemployment. None of the studied interventions increased job‐seeking activity. Deterioration of one's financial situation between the two measurement points was related to an increase in job‐seeking activity. Vocational training decreased temporarily psychological distress and a deterioration of one's financial situation was related to an increase in distress. Guidance, which focuses on job‐seekers' skills, job‐search process and labour market knowledge, should be emphasized more.
Equity sensitivity and business ethics
Authors: Mudrack Peter E. , Mason E. Sharon , Stepeanski Kim M.
Published: February 2003

The concept of equity sensitivity suggests profound differences in individual notions of fairness, and distinguishes between ‘benevolents’ (givers) and ‘entitleds’ (takers). This study extended existing research by exploring the connections between equity sensitivity and business ethics variables. It unfolded in three phases and utilized samples of employed North American respondents. Entitleds tended to respond in less conventionally ethical ways than benevolents; for example, by being more Machiavellian. A proposed model depicting the relationships among the variables provided a good fit to the data in the first of these samples, and some of the findings were replicated in the second sample. A portrait of benevolence began to emerge that contradicted earlier conceptualizations. Benevolents seemed to hold disparaging views of others who lack strong work ethics, and to regard ethically dubious behaviours in which the employing organization could benefit as relatively acceptable. In a third sample, benevolence was surprisingly associated with right‐wing authoritarianism. Implications for the conceptualization and etiology of benevolence were derived, and the assumption of homogeneity in concepts of what is fair and equitable was further challenged by the results.
Assessment of applicant work values through interviews: The impact of focus and functional relevance
Authors: Parsons Charles K. , Cable Dan , Wilkerson James M.
Published: February 2003

Using a sample of graduate management students interviewed by corporate recruiters, this study examined how the assessment of applicant work values during employment interviews is affected by the focus of the interview and the functional relevance of the work value to the recruiter's organization. Hypotheses are derived from recent person perception research, information processing research and goal‐setting research. Results suggest that interview focus and functional relevance affect work value assessment accuracy.
Treatment or incapacitation? Implications of research on personality disorders for the management of dangerous offenders
Authors: Blackburn Ronald
Published: February 2003

Research on personality disorders and their treatment is examined in thelight of recent proposals for dealing with offenders who have ‘severe personality disorders’. Problems in the classification and diagnosis of personality disorders are highlighted by the extensive comorbidity found between personality disorders and between these and other mental disorders. This reveals that those identified as antisocial or psychopathic are heterogeneous and are likely to have multiple psychological dysfunctions. This is not captured by the term ‘severe personality disorder’, and this term has too many differing meanings to be useful. Although applied to only a limited range of personality disorders, treatment of these disorders in mental health settings has successfully reduced impairment and demonstrated personality change. It is concluded that personality disordersamong serious offenders are a health care problem and that attempts to develop the more promising treatment methods in existing settings are justified.
Interviewing at the scene of the crime: Effects on children's recall of alleged abuse
Authors: Orbach Yael , Hershkowitz Irit , Lamb Michael E. , Sternberg Kathleen J. , Horowitz Dvora
Published: February 2003

Purpose. This study was designed to determine whether environmental contextual cues, provided by visits to the scenes of alleged abuse, would facilitate the recall of information by alleged victims of child sexual abuse. Method. Participants were 96 4‐ to 13‐year‐olds who reported being victims of sexual abuse. Of the children, 50 were interviewedin the investigators' offices, and 46 were interviewed at the scene of the alleged abuse. Analyses focused on the effects of interview location, age, delay betweeen incident and interview, number of reported incidents, and familiarity with the scene on the number of details provided in office interviews and at the scene. Results. Children in thetwo groups did not differ with respect to the number of informative details reported. On average, children interviewed at the office reported 231.8 details, whereas children interviewed at the scene reported 234.7 details. In both interviewing conditions, older children (aged 7‐9 and 10‐13 years) provided significantly more details than younger children (aged 4‐6 years). Children who experienced multiple incidents provided significantlymore details than children who reported experiencing single incidents. No significant interactions between environmental contextual cues, age, delay, scene familiarity and number of incidents were apparent. Conclusions. The present study is a pioneering attempt toexamine the value of physical context reinstatement in forensic settings. The results may also guide future research on contextual cueing in forensic settings.
Offender profiling and criminal differentiation
Authors: Canter David
Published: February 2003

Purpose. The psychological hypotheses that form the foundations for ‘Offender Profiling’ are identified and the research that has tested them is reviewed. Argument. ‘Offender profiling’ is taken to be the derivation of inferences about acriminal from aspects of the crime(s) he or she has committed. For this process to move beyond deduction based on personal opinion and anecdote to an empirically based science, a number of aspects of criminal activity need to be distinguished and examined. The notion of a hierarchy of criminal differentiation is introduced to highlight the need to search for consistencies and variations at many levels of that hierarchy. However, current research indicates that the key distinctions are those that differentiate, within classes of crime, between offences and between offenders. This also leads to the hypothesis ofa circular ordering of criminal actions, analogous to the colour circle, a ‘radex’. The radex model, tested using Multi‐Dimensional Scaling (MDS) procedures, allows specific hypotheses to be developed about important constituents of criminal differentiation: Salience. MDS analyses reveal the importance of the frequency of criminal actions as the basis on which the significance of those actions can be established. Models of differentiation. The research reviewed mainly supports distinctions between criminals in terms of the forms of their transactions with their explicit or implicit victims. Consistency. Offenders have been shown to exhibit similar patterns of action on different occasions. The most reliable examples of this currently are in studies of the spatial behaviour of criminals. Inference. Under limited conditions it is possible to show associations between the characteristics of offenders and the thematic focus of their crimes. In general these results provide support for models of thematic consistency that link the dominant themes in an offender's crimes to characteristic aspects of his or her lifestyle and offending history. Implications. Much of what passes for ‘offender profiling’ in practice and as reported in the factual and fictional media has no basis in empirical research. However, there are some promising results emerging in some areas of study. These results are most likely to be of value to police investigations when incorporated into decision support systems and the training of police officers. The results doalso provide new insights into the psychology o crime.
The salience of the uniform in young children's perception of police status
Authors: Durkin Kevin , Jeffery Linda
Published: February 2003

Purpose. Children's understanding of the role and powers of legal personnel is fundamental to their comprehension of legal processes. This study investigates the possibility that young children's understanding of police authority to arrest may be dominated by visual cues, namely the presence of a police uniform. Method. Children aged 5, 7 and 9 years were presented with illustrated scenarios in which they were requested to identify who could carry out an arrest. Response alternatives were: a policeman out of uniform; a man who is not a policeman but is wearing a police uniform; and a third man who is not a policeman but wears a different uniform. Results. Correct performance on the task increased with age. Errors consisted mainly of choices of the non‐policeman in police uniform. Conclusions. The findings indicate that children's initial perceptions of police status are dominated by superficial aspects of appearance which are more directly accessible than matters of societally conferred status. This has implications for theory and practice concerning children and the law.
The effect of informing liars about Criteria‐Based Content Analysis on their ability to deceive CBCA‐raters
Authors: Vrij Aldert , Kneller Wendy , Mann Samantha
Published: February 2003

As soon as liars realize that evaluators use CBCA to assess the credibility of their statements, it is possible that liars will gain knowledge of CBCA and try to ‘improve’ their statements in order to make an honest impression on CBCA‐judges. The present experiment investigated to what extent liars are capable of doing this. In all, 45 participants were randomly allocated to one of the following three conditions: a truth telling condition in which participants were asked to recall a videotaped event which they had just seen; an uninformed deception condition in which participants who had only been given guidelines about the content of the videotaped event were asked to recall the event as though they had seen the videotape; and an informed deception condition in whichparticipants received information about CBCA before they were asked to pretend that theyhad seen the videotape. CBCA‐raters scored the accounts and a comparison was made between the total CBCA‐scores of the three conditions. The study also examined the extent to which CBCA‐assessments could correctly classify truthful and deceptive accounts, first bymeans ofa discriminant analysis (with the total CBCA‐score as dependent variable) and secondly by asking a British CBCA‐expert to judge the veracity of the statements. The results indicated that liars are capable of influencing CBCA‐assessments. First, the CBCA‐scores ofliars who were informed about CBCA were similar to the CBCA‐scores of truth tellers and significantly higher than the CBCA‐scores of liars who were not informed about CBCA. Secondly, the objective status of the participant (truth teller vs. informed liar) could notbe successfully predicted in a discriminant analysis on the basis of total CBCA‐scores. Thirdly, statements of the majority of informed liars were assessed as truthful by a British CBCA‐expert.
Debasement and faking bad on the Millon Clinical Multi‐axial Inventory III: An examination of characteristics, circumstances and motives of forensic patients
Authors: Thomas‐Peter Brian A. , Jones Jason , Campbell Stephen , Oliver Caroline
Published: February 2003

Purpose. This article constitutes the first effort to consider debasement employing the Millon Clinical Multi‐axial Inventory III (MCMI‐III) in a forensic clinical population and incorporating the recommendations of Van Denburg and Choca (1997). It considers the proposition (Rogers, 1990a) that the pathogenic and criminological models of malingering can be rejected in favour of the adaptional model. Methods. A total of 142 MCMI‐III profiles were collected over a 17‐month period by a forensic psychology service. Of these, 47 had Debasement scale scores greater than 74. From the remaining 75, a group of 47 were randomly selected for comparative purposes. Of the total sample there were 75 males and 19 females, 68 were out‐patients and 26 were in‐patients, the latter having been detained under the Mental Health Act 1983, applicable to England and Wales. The two groups were compared on personality variables, offending history, presenting problems and referral circumstances. Results. There is tentative support for Rogers (1990a) in that situational variables appear to have a significant impact on debasement as would be predicted by the adaptional model of malingering. However, this was insufficient evidence to reject the pathogenic and criminological models of malingering. Conclusions. It is suggested that a longitudinal study examining the impact of different stages of the mental health or criminal justice system on debasement, and other validity scales, would illuminate the adaptional model further. Factors that influence the inclination to exaggerate psychopathology and which could be manipulated experimentally are also noted. Some speculation about the possible combined use of Debasement and Histrionic, Narcissistic and Compulsive scales in distinguishing between malingerers is offered.
Predicting violent crime among drug‐using inmates: The Addiction Severity Index as a prediction instrument
Authors: Gresnigt J.A.M. , Breteler M.H.M. , Schippers G.M. , van den Hurk A.A.
Published: February 2003

Purpose. The purpose of the present study is to explore whether the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) can be used to predict violent crime among drug‐using inmates. The association between substance abuse and violent crime among drug‐using inmates was also evaluated. Methods. The participants were male, drug‐using inmates (N=178) of two Dutch penitentiaries. In a prospective study, discriminant analysis was applied to explore which variables distinguish between participants with and without violent crime during a two‐year follow‐up period after detention. Predictive validity of demographic variables, criminal history variables and ASI variables were assessed. DSM‐III classifications, measured by the DIS, were compared with ASI variables on their predictive validity. Results. Overall correct classification of violent crime varied between 82% and 93%. Information from the ASI in addition to demographic variables and the criminal past ofa detainee clearly improved the overall correct classification of participants committing violent crime, and the percentage of variance explained. Compared to DIS diagnoses, ASI variables explained 19% more variance. Apart from the ASI severity rating for criminal past, the number of years of regular cocaine use, and the age at which cocaine use started, were major contributors of the ASI's predictive power. Conclusions. The ASI is a useful instrument for the prediction of violent crime among drug‐using inmates. The ASI‐based assessment of drug use can indicate a risk of violent crime. Further research is needed into the processes involved in this predictive power, as well as into the circumstances in which drug use induces violent crime. This may lead to the prevention of violent crime in this particular group of inmates.
Homesickness amongst a prison population
Authors: Ireland Carol , Archer John
Published: February 2003

Purpose. The aim of this study is to validate a modified version of the 33‐item Homesickness Questionnaire (HQ; Archer, Ireland, Amos, Broad, & Currid, 1998) for use within a prison population. Methods. The HQ was reworded to fit the experiences of prisoners rather than students. 179 male young offenders completed the 30‐item scale (the modified Homesickness Questionnaire, HQ‐P), and a single‐item homesickness measure (SIHM; Fisher & Hood, 1987). Results. The HQ‐P was internally consistent, and 25 items showed significant differences between homesick and non‐homesick groups formed on the basis of the SIHM. Factor analysis revealed a main factor consistent with one of two found by Archer et al. (1998), representing attachment to the home. Removal of other items left a total of 21 items in the final HQ‐P. There were high positive correlations between the HQ‐P total scores and the SIHM for current and initial levels of homesickness. Conclusions. The findings reveal a coherent construct of homesickness among these prisoners, and provide a simple way of assessing and screening inmates for homesickness.
High speed driving: Police use of lethal force during simulated incidents
Authors: Barton Jo , Vrij Aldert , Bull Ray
Published: February 2003

Purpose. The effects of high speed driving and field independence on police officers'physiological arousal, emotion and shooting behaviour were investigated within two operationally realistic simulated firearms environments. Based upon Zillmann's (1971) excitation transfer theory it was hypothesized that officers would misattribute theirfeelings of arousal caused by high speed driving, attributing these feelings to the suspect, resulting in increased feelings of irritation towards the suspect, and thus have ahigher probability of an inappropriate discharge of their weapon. In addition, research in the area of field dependence‐ independence has revealed that field dependent people are more easily distracted than field independent people (Feij, 1976). Therefore, it was predicted that high speed driving would lead to an increase in self‐rated willingness to shoot the suspect and actual shooting, especially in police officers who are field dependent. Methods. Twenty‐nine pairs of Authorised Firearms Officers were briefed on an ‘incident’ they would be asked to attend. Officers were instructed to drive at either patrol or high speed. On arrival at the simulated incident, officers were asked to respond to one of two scenarios: one where the officer would be justified in shooting the suspect, or one where it would be difficult for the officer to justify having shot the suspect. Results and Conclusions. Results revealed that driving at high speed did indeed increase officers' objective and subjective feelings of arousal, feelings of irritation towards the suspect, and reduced officers self‐rated willingness to shoot the suspect. Field dependent officers reported feeling significantly more willing to shoot the suspect when it was legally justifiable. Speed of driving, role in the car (driver/passenger), and field independence had no significant main effect on police officers' shooting behaviour either in the scenario where officers were justified to shoot the suspector in the scenario where it was difficult to justify having shot the suspect.
Interrogative suggestibility: The role of interviewer behaviour
Authors: Bain Stella A. , Baxter James S.
Published: February 2003

Purpose. Interrogative suggestibility may vary as a function of interviewer behaviour. The present study assessed the effect of two interviewer styles on measures of interrogative suggestibility obtained using the first of the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scales (GSS1). It was hypothesized that a generally abrupt demeanour adopted by the interviewer would produce greater psychological distance, and therefore higher GSS1 scores, than a friendly demeanour. Methods. The study had a single factor between participants design. Participants were tested on the GSS1 by an interviewer whose behaviour was either ‘friendly’ or ‘abrupt’. One female experimenter conducted all of the interviews. Fifty‐five participants took part in the study. Most participants were first year undergraduate psychology students. Others were university administrative staff. Results. Two of the GSS1 measures appeared to be biased significantly by interviewer style. Participants tested in the ‘abrupt’ condition gained higher scores for Shiftand Total Suggestibility than those in the ‘friendly’ condition. Conclusions. These results are consistent with the view that the GSS1 provides measures of two different types of suggestibility. However, this finding may also mean that whilst initial responses to leading questions are mediated by more stable cognitive factors that are relatively unaffected by interviewer demeanour, post‐feedback scores may be more sensitive to the social aspects of suggestibility. Implications of the results for the objectivityand administration of the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scales are discussed.
Exploring gender role identity, value orientation of occupation and sex of respondent in influencing attitudes towards male and female offenders
Authors: Murphy Elizabeth , Brown Jennifer
Published: February 2003

Objectives. This study extends work by Horn and Hollin (1997) in examining the role of sex, gender role and masculinity/femininity of occupational culture in expression of attitudes towards male and female offenders. Methods. Measures included Melvin, Gramling, and Gardner's (1985) attitudes towards prisoners and the Bem (1974) sex role type inventory (BSRI). Respondents (N= 157) represented masculine (engineering), feminine (nursing) and neutral (radiography) occupations. Results. There were no statistically significant main effects and only one significant interaction: men or women, having feminine gender values, working in a masculine occupation were harsher on women offenders than any other combination. Conclusion. Those with more masculine orientation had similar attitudes towards offenders as respondents having a feminine gender role orientation. The interactional effect suggests an influence of occupational socialization rather than social gender expectations. The evidence for a convergence of attitudes towards male and female offenders remains inconclusive. Possible applications to the criminal justice system are discussed.
Children' and adolescents’ stereotypes of tattooed people as delinquent
Authors: Durkin Kevin , Houghton Stephen
Published: February 2003

Purpose. Tattoos traditionally have been associated with criminality. This study investigates the possibility that children and adolescents may be more likely to associate tattooed than non‐tattooed individuals with delinquent attributes. Method. Children aged 6 to 16 years were presented with a series of illustrations of three men (one of whom was tattooed), and in each case were requested to decide which individual best fitted a negative (delinquent), positive (prosocial) or neutral description. Results. Participants revealed a strong bias to associate the tattooed individuals with the negative attributes, but little tendency to associate them with the positive or neutral attributes. There was some evidence of an increase in the bias during middle childhood. Conclusions. Children appear to acquire by at least age 6 strong negative stereotypes of persons with tattoos. This has implications for children's performance as witnesses in certain contexts; it also indicates that young people electing to obtain tattoos are aware of the criminal stigma attached to this form of body marking.
Assessment and decision‐making: Probation officers’ construing of factors relevant to risk
Authors: Giles Melanie , Mullineux Judith
Published: February 2003

Purpose. The aim of this study was to use the Repertory Grid technique to explore the construct systems of probation officers, thereby determining what factors were being used in the assessment of offenders. Having elicited this information, it was then the intention to produce and administer a standardized grid to determine to what extent these criteria were being employed to differentiate between a selection of treatment options. Method. Sixteen practitioners were interviewed in the first phase of the research. Data were analysed using the INGRID grid analysis package and 14 constructs were identified. These constructs were used to compile a standardized grid which was subsequently administered to 33 practitioners in phase two of the research. Results. Results showed that while there was some degree of commonality in terms of the constructs elicited, recommendations were based almost exclusively on the severity and length of criminal record. Conclusions. As a result of this study, it can be concluded that probation officers need some support in assessing offenders and the service would therefore be wise to adopt a risk assessment instrument to assist in the decision‐making process.
Children's conceptions of lying and truth‐telling: Implications for child witnesses
Authors: Bussey Kay , Grimbeek Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2003

Purpose. This study investigated children's lying and truth‐telling competence using developmentally appropriate assessment and questioning procedures. Specifically, it addressed children's knowledge about and evaluation of lies and truths. Methods. Children were presented with six vignettes in which the story character either lied or told the truth about having committed a misdeed. After each vignette, they were asked if the statement was a lie or a truth (definition), how certain they were about their categorization of the statement, and to rate the goodness and badness of the statement (evaluation). Seventy‐two children participated in the study. Twelve boys and 12 girls were randomly drawn from each of three ages: 4‐, 7‐ and 10‐year‐olds. The design was a 2 (Sex of Participant) × 3 (Age: 4, 7, 10) × 2 (Statement Type: Lie, Truth‐within‐subjects factor). Results. Seven‐ and 10‐year‐old children classified all false statements as lies and true statements as truths, whereas 4‐year‐olds correctly classified 88% across both statement types. They were equally accurate in their classification of lies (89%) and truths (87%). All children appreciated the seriousness of lying; lies were rated more negatively than truths. However, 4‐year‐olds were less likely to appreciate the goodness of truth‐telling over lying than the two older age groups. Only the older children rated truths more positively than lies. Conclusions. The results show that 4‐year‐olds have a sufficient understanding of lying and truth‐telling competence to participate effectively in the legal system.
The interrelations of socio‐moral reasoning, perceptions of own parenting and attributions of intent with self‐reported delinquency
Authors: Palmer Emma J. , Hollin Clive R.
Published: February 2003

Purpose. This study considers the relationships between moral reasoning, perceptions of parenting, attribution of intent, and self‐reported delinquency among young male offenders and non‐offenders. Methods. A sample of 97 convicted male young offenders and 77 male non‐offenders were assessed using the Sociomoral Reflection Measure‐Short Form, the EMBU (a measure of own perceptions of parenting), a measure of Attribution of Intent, and a self‐reported delinquency checklist. Results. Analyses revealed that offenders had significantly less mature moral reasoning than non‐offenders, and perceived their fathers as more rejecting. They also exhibited a greater hostile attributional bias than non‐offenders. Correlational analyses revealed that perceived parenting was related to attribution of intent in both samples. There were also significant relationships between moral reasoning and attribution of intent among the non‐offenders. Perceived parental rejection and emotional warmth, moral reasoning and attribution of intent were significantly related to levels of self‐reported delinquency among the offenders. For the non‐offenders, self‐reported delinquency was related to attribution of intent. The most significant predictors of self‐report delinquency scores were age, perceived paternal emotional warmth, and incorrect attribution of hostility among offenders and incorrect attribution of hostility for male non‐offenders. Conclusions. The findings suggest that theories of delinquency need to account for the complex interactions between environmental factors (such as parenting) and social‐cognitive processes (such as attribution of intent). Furthermore, by identifying areas in which offenders experience problems, more effective interventions can be developed.
Influence of post‐event narratives, line‐up conditions and individual differences on false identification by young and older eyewitnesses
Authors: Searcy Jean , Bartlett James C. , Memon Amina
Published: February 2003

Purpose. Older individuals have been found to exceed young adults in false recognitions on line‐up tasks. To explore factors involved in this deficit, this study compared effects of post‐event information and sequential line‐up presentation on false identification by young and elderly adults. Methods. Ninety‐eight community‐dwelling older adults (ages 57‐83) and 97 college students (ages 19‐33) saw a videotape of a simulated crime, then heard an auditory narrative. Some heard a review of the events of the crime (including some misinformation) and others heard a control narrative that was unrelated to the video. Participants recalled the crime and then saw either a simultaneous or sequential target‐absent line‐up. The study compared the relationship of the experimental variables and several individual difference measures to false identification rates on the line‐up. Results. Sequential line‐ups reduced false identification rates for young and elderly adults. Hearing a relevant post‐event narrative increased false identifications, but only in the older group. For the elderly, high verbal recall of the perpetrator's characteristics was also associated with higher false identification rates. In addition, it was found that (1) misleading information in the post‐event narratives influenced line‐up choices, and (2) higher false identification rates were related to perseverative errors in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, memory self‐efficacy and low Belief in a Just World. Conclusions. Results suggest that reducing post‐crime exposure to crime‐relevant information, combined with sequential line‐ups, can substantially reduce false identification by older witnesses. They also indicate the need to explore further the influence of post‐event information, sequential line‐up presentation, availability, and self‐confidence upon older eyewitnesses.
Detection of deception: Statement Validity Analysis as a means of determining truthfulness or falsity of rape allegations
Authors: Parker Andrew D. , Brown Jennifer
Published: February 2003

Objectives. This study explores the use of Statement Validity Analysis (SVA) in the assessment of the veracity of adult rape allegations. Hypotheses relate to ‘reality criteria’ (CBCA)'s ability to capture the nature and complexity of the rape victim's narrative and whether the ‘validity criteria’ (Validity Checklist) is sufficiently sensitive to detect the psychological characteristics found in rape allegations. A comparison is made between the capability of SVA and the ability of detectives to distinguish true from false allegations to test practical application of the procedure. Method. The material for the study consisted of 43 interview statements, gathered by means of the cognitive interview (CI). Multivariate statistical analyses examined the success of CBCA and the Validity Checklist to distinguish true from false allegations. Validity of the allegations' veracity were assessed against forensic corroboration, guilty pleas and withdrawal of complaints. Application of SVA was subjected to inter‐rater agreement of criteria selection. Results. CBCA did differentiate genuine from false statements and the Validity Checklist added practical investigative value to the analysis by correctly identifying all true and false cases. The combined procedures fared less well in determining the veracity of unsubstantiated cases, the reasons for which are discussed. Further weaknesses, in relation to the suitability of current police interview procedures for use with SVA, were revealed. The SVA predictions about the veracity of statements were more accurate than those made by police officers. Conclusions. SVA was found applicable to adult witness statements, although there were certain age relevant differences in the reliability and validity of criteria. Consistent with previous research on false allegations of rape, a wider range of sexual acts was found in genuine reports and certain characteristics were common to false reports. Contrary to previous findings, no differentiation could be made on the basis of degree or nature of injury sustained. Some refinements to the theoretical underpinnings of SVA are made and directions for future research are suggested to make the technique suitable for police use and more acceptable to the courts.
Outcome expectancies for crime: Their relationship to fear and the negative consequences of criminal involvement
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: February 2003

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between outcome expectancies for crime, existential fear, and the negative consequences of criminal involvement. Methods. A group of 98 federal prison inmates completed three brief checklists: one designed to measure outcome expectancies for crime, one that surveyed various fears and concerns, and one that assessed the negative consequences of crime. Each measure had been divided into separate social attachment, control and identity scales prior to the start of this study. Results. A confirmatory factor analysis of each measure uncovered modest support for the proposed division of items into social, control and identity scales. The measures were then revised by dropping poorly differentiated items. Using these revised scales, a stronger relationship was observed between fear and expectancies than between negative consequences and expectancies. Structural modelling showed that the relationships were complex and general rather than simple and specific. Conclusions. Findings from this study indicate that social learning factors interact in their effect on crime and that outcome expectancies for crime are a complex function of both affective factors like fear and cognitive factors like the negative consequence of past criminal activities.
Minimizing interrogative suggestibility
Authors: Boon Julian C. W. , Baxter James S.
Published: February 2003

Purpose. Use of warnings about the possible presence of misinformation in questions put to witnesses can reduce the extent to which such misinformation is incorporated in witnesses' recall. Previous studies of this phenomenon, known as ‘interrogative suggestibility’, have not, however, attempted to establish the degree to which it can be reduced in this way. The present study used the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale 2 (GSS‐2) in an attempt to make this relative judgment, based on population norms established for the scale. Method. Participants were allocated to one of three groups: (1) a ‘Warned Group’ underwent the GSS‐2 without negative feedback but also with a warning concerning the possible presence of misinformation in questions; (2) a ‘Neutral Group’ underwent a variant of the GSS‐2 in which negative feedback was not administered; and (3) a ‘Standard Group’ underwent the normal GSS‐2 procedure. Results. The hypothesized pattern of results‐that the provision of a warning would enhance the ability of participants to resist misinformation without completely eliminating its acceptance‐was confirmed. Conclusions. Up to two‐thirds of the variance in interrogative suggestibility may be potentially under the control of the interviewer. In addition to assessing levels of interrogative suggestibility in potential witnesses, the Gudjonsson scales could be used to help train professionals who interview witnesses to keep the suggestiveness of their interviewing style to a minimum.
What is stalking? The match between legislation and public perception
Authors: Sheridan Lorraine , Davies Graham M.
Published: February 2003

Purpose. To assess the match between anti‐stalking legislation and participants' own opinions of what constitutes stalking, and to test the ability of lay persons to interpret anti‐stalking statutes.

Method. University students (N= 88) were presented with 20 transcripts of actual intrusive acts, as experienced by female members of the public. Participants were asked to rate the extent to which each represented a case of stalking, either on the basis of one of three sets of anti‐stalking legislation, or purely on the basis of their own opinions as to what constituted stalking.

Results. Multivariate and univariate analyses of variance revealed that the three laws, and participants' own opinions, led to significant differences in whether a given transcript was labelled as stalking for 18 of the 20 transcripts. This reflected the way in which the different legislation chose to define stalking. Participants' intuitive ideas fitted most closely with ratings generated by the England and Wales Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Conclusions. Although problems of defining stalking in relation to public perception persist, the England and Wales Protection from Harassment Act 1997, which offers no final definition of stalking but concentrates upon the effects on the victim, may come closest to capturing the public perception of the crime. It was also concluded that lay persons were proficient in interpreting and applying three anti‐stalking laws of varying complexity.
Injecting risk behaviour among recently released prisoners in Edinburgh: The impact of in‐prison and community drug treatment services
Authors: Shewan David , Reid Margaret , MacPherson Sandy , Davies John B. , Greenwood Judy
Published: February 2003

Purpose. Research in the area of injecting risk behaviour among drug users in prison is increasing; this paper attempts to rectify the paucity of research on risk behaviour of prisoners after release. This study also assesses the impact of both in‐prison and community drug services on injecting risk behaviour after release.

Methods. This longitudinal study looked at the risk behaviour of a cohort of ex‐prisoners in Edinburgh, Scotland. Two follow‐up interviews were carried out after release from prison, involving 56 and 40 participants respectively. This study built on an in‐prison evaluation of a drug reduction programme, and sufficient numbers were recruited to compare an intervention and a control group.

Results. There was some evidence of an initial flurry of injecting risk behaviour among participants soon after release, with a minority reporting injecting after release from prison, but over time patterns of injecting were variable. There was a low incidence of sharing injecting equipment. Generally, and perhaps contrary to expectation, post‐release risk behaviour among the present sample was relatively low. Neither community‐based nor in‐prison drug treatment programmes were found to have a major effect on patterns of drug use.

Conclusions. Caution should be observed when generalizing from the data obtained in this study. That said, focusing specifically on the period after release as a situational factor in increased injecting risk among drug users has indicated that more enduring local factors may be just as influential on levels of risk behaviour. Contact with neither in‐prison nor community drug services was predictive of lower risk behaviour.
Prediction of psychological distress in young offenders
Authors: Nieland Martin N. S. , McCluskie Caroline , Tait Erica
Published: February 2003

Purpose. This study was designed to evaluate the extent to which, and how, anxiety and depression could be predicted among incarcerated male young offenders.

Methods. In a two‐stage prospective study over 3 months, scores on new ‘Stress’ and ‘Coping’ scales designed specifically for present purposes using information given by the offenders themselves were, together with first stages scores on the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ‐R Short Scale; Eysenck & Eysenck, 1975), the Culture‐Free Self‐Esteem Inventory (CFSEI Second Edition; Battle, 1981), the Emotion Control Questionnaire (ECQ2; Roger & Najarian, 1989) and the Coping Styles, Questionnaire (CSQ; Roger, Jarvis, & Najarian, 1993) regressed on second stages scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; Zigmond & Snaith, 1983).

Results. HADS Anxiety scores were accounted for by scores on the new ‘Stress’ questionnaire, Aggression Control, and an interaction of ‘Stress’ scores with Rational coping. HADS Depression scores were accounted for by ‘Stress’ scores, EPQ Extraversion and an interaction of ‘Stress’, EPQ Extraversion and EPQ Liar scores. In addition, a three‐component interaction term comprising ‘Stress’, ‘Coping’ and EPQ Psychoticism scores predicted both anxiety and depression. The implications of this interaction are explored in detail.

Conclusions. The results have important repercussions for the psychological well‐being of incarcerated young offenders, some of whom are vulnerable and possibly prone to parasuicidal behaviour. Fundamental changes in the young offender culture are a preferred option in mitigating the psychological effects of detention than the encouragement of coping behaviour which is not conducive with rehabilitation.
Children's responses to open‐ended utterances in investigative interviews
Authors: Hershkowitz Irit
Published: February 2003

Fifty 4‐ to 13‐year‐olds were interviewed about incidents of sexual abuse that they had allegedly experienced. The interviewers employed an unusually high number of open‐ended prompts, and the analyses focused on the effectiveness of different types of open‐ended inquiries. Open‐ended prompts yielded significantly longer and more detailed responses than did focused prompts. The main invitation, which initiated the children's narratives, elicited the longest and most detailed responses. Invitations remained superior to focused questions throughout the interview. The effectiveness of invitations did not vary depending on whether they followed focused or open‐ended prompts. There were no age differences in the effectiveness of any types of invitations.