Dynamic Risk Factors, Protective Factors and Value-Laden Practices

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychology
• Criminology
• Correctional Rehabilitation

Background:

• Dynamic risk and protective factors are foundational to correctional practice and offender rehabilitation.
• Recent debate questions the nature of these factors and their relationship to offending behavior.
• Current focus on characteristics (e.g., attitudes, associates) may be less effective than understanding underlying processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To shift the focus in understanding risk and protective factors from static characteristics to dynamic practices.
• To explore how values and human capacities embedded within practices influence offending.
• To inform more effective rehabilitation strategies by targeting these identified capacities and contexts.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis and theoretical reframing of dynamic risk and protective factors.
• Examination of the relationship between goal-directed practices, embedded values, and human capacities.
• Application of the framework using examples of risk and protective factors for sexual offending.

Main Results:

• Risk and protective factors are better understood as goal-directed practices rather than static traits.
• Practices are underpinned by values (priorities, motivators, norms) and human capacities.
• Identification of specific capacities and contexts can guide targeted interventions.

Conclusions:

• Reframing correctional practice around 'practices' rather than 'characteristics' offers a more nuanced understanding of offending.
• Strengthening specific human capacities within relevant contexts can enhance rehabilitation effectiveness.
• This approach has broad applicability beyond sexual offending to improve offender functioning and reduce harm.