ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 4

Determinations of Dangerousness in Forensic Patients: An Archival Study
Williams, A
University of North Texas, TX

Sewell, KW
University of North Texas, TX

Ustad, K
University of North Texas, TX

Ross, M
Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, Vernon State Hospital, TX

Rogers, R
University of North Texas, TX

(Received 16 May 1994; accepted 17 June 1994)

Abstract

The involvement of mental health professionals in determinations of dangerousness is both common and controversial. Among the various contexts for these evaluations, the release of potentially violent forensic patients from maximum security facilities evokes justified concern from involved experts and apprehension to outrage from the immediate community. We sought to examine how conclusions are reached on dangerousness at two sequential stages: clinical recommendations and Manifest Dangerousness Hearings decisions. In an archival study of 245 patients, we found that lack of progress in the institution and physical assaultiveness were the strongest correlates with dangerousness. In contrast, experts and review boards appeared to be relatively less influenced by diagnosis, types of treatment, and sociodemographic variables.

Keywords:
psychiatry forensic psychology, dangerousness, diagnosis

Paper ID: JFS13763J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13763J
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