The development of a model of decision-making during an act of serious violence using the Critical Decision Method

Mottershead, Trixie ORCID: 0000-0002-4774-4125, Griffiths, Alys Wyn, Nathan, Rajan and Cole, Jon ORCID: 0000-0003-3515-0183 (2024) The development of a model of decision-making during an act of serious violence using the Critical Decision Method. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 35 (4). pp. 542-559. ISSN 1478-9949, 1478-9957

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Abstract

To date, psychological theories of aggression have shown limited applicability to the first-hand experience of real-world violence. Examining the experiences of those directly involved in violent offending, may enable professionals to develop a strengthened and more refined understanding. The current study aimed to develop a theoretical model of offender experiences of decision-making, during the commission of a violent offence. The Critical Decision Method (CDM) for cognitive task analysis was conducted within a British prison, with nine participants who had been convicted of a serious violent offence. Interview transcripts were analysed using constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT). Seven themes were interpreted from participant narratives: (i) predisposing influences, (ii) environment, (iii) emotion, (iv) triggering events, (v) decision to act, (vi) identity and (vii) severity of harm caused to the victim. Participants’ narratives were found to focus upon a process of decision-making which followed a sequence of events, from the impact of early experiences, through to the in-the-moment decisions, that led to acting in a violent manner. This study provides novel insights into the experience of violent decision-making. Participants emphasised the role of emotion and identity. A range of clinical implications are discussed which highlight the important role of emotion regulation and identity transformation in the rehabilitation of violent offenders.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	44 Human Society, 4402 Criminology, 52 Psychology, Violence Research, Behavioral and Social Science, Mental Health, Mental health, 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	02 Oct 2024 14:01
Last Modified:	28 Sep 2025 23:51
DOI:	10.1080/14789949.2024.2346611
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1080/14789949.2024.2346611
Related Websites:	Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3184832