bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malpractice in clinical social work: A perspective on civil liability in the 1980's
Authors: Watkins Sallie A. , Watkins John C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractRecently reported cases involving the malpractice of psychiatrists have also focused attention on the potential liability for similar acts by clinical social workers. While there is no appellate case authority holding social work clinicians liable for malpractice at this time, the potential for such litigation is enormous. This article explores some of the more common areas of concern and suggests several prophylactic measures that clinicians may employ to safeguard both their professional career and their continued financial independence.
The application of the standard of care doctrine to psychological testing
Authors: Kahn Malcolm , Taft Gail 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMalpractice issues surrounding clinical psychologists' misuse of diagnostic testing are examined. Common forms of misuse are contrasted with appropriate standards of use for six frequently administered tests: The WAIS‐R, WISC‐R, Rorschach, TAT, Bender Gestalt, and MMPI. It is argued that not only negligent and unethical conduct but also intentional malfeasance may be construed when a qualified specialist applies unstandardized procedures which lack scientific authenticity. Suggestions are provided to both psychologists and attorneys to reduce the misuse of psychological tests in clinical and forensic evaluations.
The female terrorist: A socio‐psychological perspective
Authors: Galvin Deborah M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis article deals with the female terrorist, her socio‐psychological characteristics, and her role within the terrorist organization. There is no archetypal female terrorist; her description is varied from her physique to her role within the organization to her psychological make‐up. Women take up terrorism either by their own initiative or through a secondary other, most often introduced into it by a male. Although women terrorists have the equality to fight or die by the side of their male counterparts, their power position frequently is less than that of the male. The female's sexuality plays an important role in the group dynamics and does alter the nature of terrorism itself. The article explores the implications of these findings for the future of terrorism and the participation of women.
“Acts of god and man”: Long‐term character change in survivors of disasters and the law
Authors: Lindy Jacob D. , Titchener James 
Published: June 2007

AbstractEvidence from differing disaster populations indicates enduring effects on mental functioning or character change in survivors. Following the Buffalo Creek Disaster, character changes included psychic constriction, denial, somatization, and survivor guilt. In the legal proceedings following that disaster survivors received compensation for “psychic impairment,” a term devised to cover the long‐term effects of the survivor syndrome. Among combatant survivors of the Vietnam War, a common character change included the failure to channel hostile impulses effectively. Crucial for this group has been the role of law to provide a recovery environment conducive to their reentry to society.
Problems of diagnosis and legal causation in courtroom use of post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Raifman Lawrence J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSerious problems with the diagnosis of Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) render it vulnerable to legal challenge and subject to abuse. Problems in legal causation are outlined and include the issues of prior susceptibility, identification of the stressor, symptom assessment, intervening factors, and criminal responsibility.Trial courts continue to question the admissibility of PTSD expert witness testimony. To ensure the continuing validity of PTSD, its use should be limited, and expert witness testimony increasingly supported by empirically based research data.
Experience and validity of clinical judgment: The illusory correlation
Authors: Dawes Robyn M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMental health experts often justify diagnostic and predictive judgments on the basis of “years of experience” with a particular type of person. Justification by experience is common in legal settings, and can have profound consequences for the person about whom such judgments are made. However, research shows that the validity of clinical judgment and amount of clinical experience are unrelated. The role of experience in learning varies as a function of what is to be learned. Experiments show that learning conceptual categories depends upon: (1) the learner's having clear hypotheses about the possible rule for category membership prior to receiving feedback about which instances belong to the category, and, (2) the systematic nature of such feedback, especially about erroneous categorizations. Since neither of these conditions is satisfied in clinical contexts in psychology, the subsequent failure of experience per se to enhance diagnostic or predictive validity is unsurprising. Claims that “I can tell on the basis of my experience with people of a particular type (e.g., child abusers) that this person is of that type (e.g., a child abuser)” are simply invalid.
Sex offenders: Identifing who can complete a residential treatment program
Authors: Gully Kevin , Mitchell Christine , Butter Clifford , Harwood Richard 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSex offenders completing or failing an intensive residential treatment program into which they were legally ordered were compared on observations of social behavior exhibited during regular activities in the program, psychological tests, and physiological assessments of sexual arousal. Sex offenders completing the program displayed more social competence with both men and women. Furthermore, the only significant descriptive information indicated that men having familial relationships with their victims were more apt to complete the program. These results suggest that future research should focus on obtaining information not readily manipulated by the sex offender and should recognize that some classification systems may have limited value.
The corroboration requirement in child sex abuse cases
Authors: Levine Murray , Battistoni Lori 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe sharp rise in reports of child abuse has led to efforts to protect children in family courts in child protective proceedings. Hearsay evidence of a child's prior statements may be admitted in child protective proceedings, but such evidence is legally insufficient to support an adjudication of abuse without corroborative evidence. Courts have admitted expert psychological, psychiatric or social work testimony about the child sex abuse syndrome as sufficient corroborative evidence. The testimony is called “validation” testimony. The scientific basis for such validation testimony in the absence of a disclosure by the child is very weak. Courts have also tended to accept the most minimal evidence as corroboration of the child's out‐of‐court statements, including other hearsay evidence. The socially valuable policy of protecting children by admitting weak evidence, such as validation testimony, or other hearsay, should be reviewed to ensure the evidence meets criteria of reliability in order to minimize erroneous determinations.
Child sexual abuse allegations during custody litigation: Conflicts between mental health expert witnesses and the law
Authors: Brooks Catherine M. , Milchman Madelyn Simring 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis article describes (1) an intrafamilial child sexual abuse case and (2) the multidisciplinary research project which developed from its outcome. The research project., in existence since 1987, is a task force of the Committee an Children, Youth, and Families of the New Jersey Psychological Association and is co‐sponsored by the Committee on Child Psychiatry of the New Jersey Psychiatric Association. The research aims at developing an objective behavioral assessment instrument to validate child sexual abuse allegations, and at achieving a clinical‐legal consensus regarding the credibility of the instrument. Ranking, reliability, and validity studies are described.
Parent‐child relations in offenders who commit violent sexual crimes against children
Authors: Lang R. A. , Langevin R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractOne hundred eighty‐one men were compared on parent–child relations, using the Clarke Parent–Child Relations Questionnaire. The sample included 66 heterosexual pedophiles, 29 homosexual pedophiles, 36 incest offenders and 50 controls. The offender groups were further divided into those who used force (20%) versus those who did not; into those sexually victimized as children themselves (53.2%) versus those not victimized; and into those physically abused as children (47.5%) versus those not abused. Results showed that the offender groups had more disturbances than controls in father–son relations, contrary to earlier findings showing disturbances in mother–son relations among individuals who interact sexually with minors. The offenders who used force in their offenses differed only in being more aggressive to their fathers as children, but otherwise did not differ from offenders who did not use force in their offenses. Offenders both sexually and physically abused as children showed more disturbances in father relationships than offenders who were not abused during their childhoods. Disturbed parent‐child relations undoubtedly leave residual difficulties in sex offenders in later life, but in the present sample, they did not play the expected critical role in explaining the use of force by perpetrators who coerce children into sex.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy: Clinical review and legal issues
Authors: Kahan Bernard , Yorker Beatrice Crofts 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWell‐established policies and procedures govern the identification, management, and treatment of most variations of child abuse. For many therapists, such cases have become “routine”. Munchausen syndrome by proxy is an under‐recognized form of child abuse in which a parent feigns or creates illness in a child specifically to have the child subjected to unnecessary diagnostic tests and treatments by medical practitioners. Variations range from false reports of fevers or allergies, to life‐threatening abuse, such as surreptitious poisonings or injections with toxic substances. This article reports a case example of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, provides a review of historical, diagnostic and management issues, and discusses legal issues relevant to detection of the perpetrator and protection of the child victim.
Consent to mental health treatment: A theoretical analysis of coercion, freedom, and control
Authors: Carroll John S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractResearch has shown that substantial numbers of mental health patients may be coerced into ‘voluntary’ treatment. This article examines the concept of coercion to address the concerns of social scientists, treatment providers, and policy makers to know when coercion into treatment has occurred. This logically takes precedence over the second important question of whether or not coercion is desirable in some situations. A review of the scientific research on coercion and related topics of freedom, control, and choice leads to a theoretical framework in which coercion is defined in terms of opportunities to choose among courses of action. Implications of this analysis are drawn for mental health service delivery, mental health policy, and mental health research.
Quality of mental health services and method of payment: An empirical study
Authors: Wallace Donald H. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractData from a sample of clinicians are examined to study the relationship of the lower socio‐economic client and therapist. Therapist practice variables are regressed on variables measuring client income and contrasting client's use of Medicaid with the use of private insurance or out‐of‐pocket funds. It is found that therapist practice variables can predict a significant proportion of the variance of these criterion variables. These relationships and their implications for the therapeutic needs of indigent clients with less severely impaired conditions are discussed.
Expert witnesses in child abuse cases
Authors: Sagatun Inger J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis article discusses the need for expert testimony and the criteria for admissibility of such testimony in child abuse cases. It addresses the scope of expert testimony in both physical and sexual abuse cases with respect to (a) descriptive and diagnostic issues, (b) witness credibility issues, and (c) legal issues. In particular, the article focuses on the admissibility of expert testimony on the battered child syndrome, the child sexual abuse accommodation syndrome, and observations of behavior with anatomically correct dolls. The article concludes that medical expert testimony is more admissible in court than mental health expert testimony.
Criminal justice and the drug‐abusing offender: Policy issues of coerced treatment
Authors: Anglin M. Douglas , Hser Yih‐Ing 
Published: June 2007

AbstractCriminal justice populations, including arrestees, probationers, inmates and parolees, have become increasingly involved with drugs of abuse. These numbers have seriously impacted the criminal justice system from enforcement to the courts, corrections, and subsequent legal supervision agencies. Prevalence of substance abuse in these populations is reported, as well as the effectiveness of community‐based and corrections‐based treatment in effecting behavioral changes to reduce drug demand. The characteristics of successful intervention programs are described and an ideal model proposed for better integrating community treatment and criminal justice intervention efforts.
Drug treatment and workplace drug testing: Politics, symbolism and organizational dilemmas
Authors: Jacobs James B. , Zimmer Lynn 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis article explains how the link between drug testing and drug treatment was forged, how it has been implemented in the workplace, and speculates on its organizational implications. Part I argues that widespread drug testing in the core institutions of American society would not have been politically possible without forging an explicit link to drug treatment. The authors identify the key variables which account for the link between testing and treatment, including public opinion, employer self interest, collective bargaining agreements, the precedent and influence of Employee Assistance Programs, and developments in the law of the workplace. Part II describes how the link between drug testing and drug treatment has been implemented in the workplace, including the emergence of new organizational units, roles, and inter‐organizational relationships. Part III examines the organizational dilemmas created by the testing/treatment linkage.
Drug corruption in undercover agents: Measuring the risk
Authors: Girodo Michel 
Published: June 2007

AbstractDrug corruption is more likely among law enforcement officers who use undercover investigative methods. Current views of police corruption attribute drug corruption either to flaws in character or to the corrupting criminal environment where investigations are carried out. This article presents a pragmatic approach to the interaction between personality and situational causes, and findings from an assessment of a large group of undercover agents. Greater drug/alcohol abuse and disciplinary problems were linked to amount of undercover work. For the majority of agents, the risk for drug corruption was related to either poor impulse control, Neuroticism, or a desire to experiment with new experiences. Agents assessed as having a Disciplined Self‐Image presented a lower risk for drug corruption while also showing risk taking and motivational qualities required for successful undercover performances. Certain personality traits of interest may only manifest themselves as disciplined or undisciplined conduct when given the opportunity by an instigating environment.
Psychosocial factors affecting custodial and visitation arrangements
Authors: Bray James H. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis article reviews psychosocial factors that may influence the custodial and access arrangements for children during separation, divorce and remarriage. Custodial arrangements for children following the divorce of their parents are discussed. Elements to consider in determining the custodial arrangement that provides for the best interests of children include child, adult, interpersonal and social environmental factors. It is recommended that all of these factors be considered in drafting a custodial agreement that will serve the best interest of children following a marital and family breakup or remarriage.
Child custody evaluations: Fair and unfair professional practices
Authors: Weissman Herbert N. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMental health professionals are frequently called upon to conduct psychological evaluations of the adult parties and minor children in contested child custody actions. Whether Court‐appointed or as an agreed examiner, the professional's essential role is that of expert consultant to the court. He or she can only assist the trier of fact by conducting an evaluation that is fair, impartial and objective, that protects the personal and legal rights of all parties, and that is consistent with professional and ethical standards. Ethical principles require the mental health professional to accept the burden of responsibility for protecting and preserving the clients' rights and welfare throughout the evaluation period, from the initial referral to the rendering of recommendations.
Support groups for persons experiencing divorce in later life
Authors: Rae Judith , Jasper–Jacobsen Jamia , Blatter Carol J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMiddle‐aged and older couples are divorcing at increasing rates, and statistics indicate this trend will continue. Separating or divorcing people over 50 are similar to but different from younger separating or divorcing people. This article describes one model for addressing the mental health needs of this older population. A group format was used with 66 people who were divorced after 19 or more years of marriage. Recruitment of participants, organization, group process, outcome, problems, and successes of this model are offered as a method for mental health professionals to consider.
Research report characteristics and outcomes of insanity acquittees in Oklahoma
Authors: Nicholson Robert A. , Norwood Steve , Enyart Charles 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe insanity defense is perhaps the most vigorously debated topic at the interface of the legal and mental health systems. This article addresses the need for empirical evidence by providing data on insanity acquittees and their later outcomes in Oklahoma, a jurisdiction not previously studied. Information was obtained on the demographic, legal, psychiatric, hospitalization, and post‐hospitalization characteristics of all 61 defendants acquitted not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) and treated on the state forensic unit during a 5‐year period. Insanity acquittees had few resources, significant psychopathology, and extensive involvement with the legal and mental health systems prior to the NGRI offense. Follow‐up of three groups of discharged patients–those released at an initial court review, those who completed the NGRI treatment program, and those who absconded from the forensic unit‐revealed that those who escaped from the unit had significantly more arrests and subsequent legal charges than regularly discharged patients.
Cults: Forensic and therapeutic aspects
Authors: MacHovec Frank 
Published: June 2007

AbstractCult crime and ritual abuse are frequent topics on TV talk shows and in print media. In addition, ritual abuse has been cited in child custody disputes and child abuse allegations in day care centers. This article describes forensic and therapeutic aspects of cult involvement for three risk populations: children, teenagers, and adults. Recommendations are given to protect suspect and victim rights and minimize the risk of harm from a negative cult experience.
Public opinion and the tax evasion trial of Reverend Moon
Authors: Richardson James T. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a survey of a random sample of 1,000 people taken from the Southern Judicial District of New York to measure the amount of knowledge about and bias toward the Reverend Moon prior to his trial on tax evasion charges. The survey was completed as part of the pretrial preparation by Reverend Moon, and was used to support his motion for a bench trial, instead of having the case tried before a jury. The survey revealed very high levels of knowledge about the Church and Reverend Moon, as well as a strong negative bias toward both. Implications of these results and the outcome of the actual trial for the jury system and for religion and religionists is discussed.
Evaluation in constitutional law: An application to the first amendment
Authors: Wiener Richard L. , Small Mark 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis article argues that program evaluation data may be useful to the courts when they are deciding First Amendment constitutional law disputes. Specifically, we focus on how program evaluation data, quantitative and qualitative, may be dispositive in dealing with two types of First Amendment cases—pornography and commercial speech. The different evaluative approaches that are warranted with each type of case are compared and contrasted. The different possible legal routes that program evaluation data may take to influence the outcome of constitutional law disputes determines the empirical type of approach to be utilized. Where pornography cases lend themselves more to social science data being used in trials, cases of commercial speech are more likely to use data at the appellate level. Social scientists interested in conducting legally relevant research should structure their research accordingly.
Damage: Trauma and violence in a sample of women referred to a forensic service
Authors: Adshead Gwen 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAlthough there is evidence of a link between experienced trauma and later violence, most discussion of the long‐term effects of trauma do no examine aggression and violence in any detail. This article presents a pilot study of 16 women referred to the department of Forensic Psychiatry at St George's Hospital, between 1987 and 1993. The cases were selected at random, although most were known personally to the author. The study attempts to draw out the links among sexual abuse in childhood, deliberate self‐harm, dangerous behavior, and specifically danger to health care professionals. The concept of complex posttraumatic stress disorder is discussed in relation to both a history of sexual and physical abuse in childhood and later dangerous behavior.
Children's reactions to serial murder
Authors: Herkov Michael J. , Myers Wade C. , Burket Roger C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis study examined the psychological reactions of children who lived in a community exposed to serial murder. The research also examined how parents coped with their children's psychological responses. Thirty‐four parents of 64 children between the ages of 5 and 18, inclusive, were asked to identify changes in their children since the serial murders. Data collection began 4 weeks following the murders and included assessment of emotional, cognitive and behavioral aspects of the child's responses. Follow‐up data collection occurred at 9 months and 18 months after the murders. Results indicated that children, as a group, experienced a number of psychological changes following the murders, even though none of the actual victims were children. The most frequently reported symptoms were anxiety‐based (fear of being alone, difficulty falling asleep and wanting to sleep with patents). Most children showed a significant decline in symptoms across time. The most popular parent coping strategies involved discussing issues of risk minimization, talking about the murders, and spending more time with children.