Jeffrey E. Pfeifer

Perceptual Biases and Mock Juror Decision Making: Minority Religions in Court

This study builds on earlier research results showing that mock jurors demonstrate strong anti-cult oriented biases in verdicts related to cases involving minority religions (sometimes called “cults”). Specifically, this study investigates the hypothesis that mock juror verdicts will be effected by evidence of satanic cult involvement due to the negative perceptions held by individuals regarding the perceived threat of the satanic movement. It is argued that the mere mention of satanism will lead mock jurors to use negative perceptions in their decision making and subsequently rate defendants differentially depending on their level of satanic cult involvement. To test this hypothesis, subjects were asked to read a trial transcript of a child abuse or a homicide case. Depending on the condition, subjects were informed that the defendant was either allegedly involved in a satanic cult, admittedly involved in a satanic cult, or no mention of satanism was made. Finally, some subjects were also supplied with jury instructions to guide their decision making in ways that might alleviate the impact of allegations of satanic involvement. All subjects were then asked to rate the guilt of the defendant as well as the confidence they had in their verdict. Results indicate that ratings of guilt are significantly affected by the mention of satanic cult involvement, regardless of whether it is alleged or admitted. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Aboriginal prisoners and cognitive impairment: the impact of dual disadvantage on Social and Emotional Wellbeing

BACKGROUND Negligible information is available regarding the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) needs of Aboriginal Australian individuals in custody with cognitive impairment. This is problematic given that Aboriginal people with cognitive impairment often experience dual disadvantage in the context of the justice system. This study sought to ascertain the relationship between cognitive impairment and mental health/cultural needs (SEWB) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody. METHOD A sample of 122 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were administered a culturally themed semi-structured questionnaire in custodial settings in Victoria, Australia. The questionnaire included measures of cognitive impairment, SEWB and forensic needs. Analyses were performed to determine differences in the presence of SEWB and unmet custodial needs by level of cognitive impairment. RESULTS Findings revealed a diminished level of wellbeing for cognitively impaired participants across several factors. Cognitive impairment was associated with poorer coping mechanisms, additional experiences of racism, difficulties handling emotions, discomfort around non-Aboriginal people and reduced access to meaningful activities in custody. All participants regardless of their level of impairment recognised the importance of cultural engagement; however, cognitively impaired participants had greater difficulty accessing/practicing cultural activities. CONCLUSIONS Culturally responsive disability assistance should be available at all phases of the justice system for Indigenous people with cognitive impairment to ensure that equitable care is accessible and needs are addressed.

Assessing the mental health, substance abuse, cognitive functioning, and social/emotional well-being needs of Aboriginal prisoners in Australia

This study sought to identify the incidence of mental illness, substance misuse, and cognitive impairment among a representative cohort of 123 Aboriginal people in custody in Australia. In addition, the study measured levels of social and emotional well-being (SEWB) and considered the interrelationship of mental health issues, SEWB, and unmet needs. Both male and female Aboriginal prisoners were found to have high rates of mental health, substance abuse, and cognitive functioning needs that were heavily contextualized within perceptions of their own SEWB. Findings provide important information with regard to the specific needs of Aboriginal people in custody. Implications for the development and implementation of effective, culturally themed best practice programming for this population are discussed.

Correctional officers and workplace adversity: identifying interpersonal, cognitive, and behavioral response tendencies

This study explored correctional officers’ response tendencies (i.e., cognitive, interpersonal, and behavioral response patterns they engage in) when managing workplace adversity. In total, 53 Australian correctional officers participated in the study. Eight exploratory focus group discussions (n = 42) were conducted to identify a set of officer-endorsed response tendencies. Thematic analysis of group data revealed that correctional officers engage in a range of response tendencies when facing workplace adversity and that these tendencies may be categorized as interpersonally, cognitively, or behaviorally based. Semistructured interviews (n = 11) were then conducted to provide further depth of information regarding officer response tendency usage. Results are discussed in terms of common themes, future research, and implications for developing training programs designed to ameliorate the effects of workplace adversity.

Postdivorce Adjustment in Singapore: Factors, Themes, and Positive Growth

Although there is a fairly large literature on postdivorce adjustment in the United States, comparatively little research has been conducted on the topic in Singapore. In addition, the majority of research to date has focused on the negative impacts of divorce and has tended to ignore potential positive growth opportunities that might result from the experience. This study seeks to address this gap in the literature through a thematic analysis of interviews with divorcees in Singapore. Specifically, this study identifies factors contributing to positive postdivorce adjustments within the multicultural, multiethnic, and multireligious context found in Singapore. A review of participant responses identified 15 specific factors related to the potential for experiencing a positive postdivorce adjustment. Further review indicates that these factors can be grouped into 6 themes that could specifically inform counselors and other mental health professionals working in Singapore to assist with the adjustment process.

Indigenous Youth Crime: An International Perspective

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the research and programs related to Indigenous youth crime across four jurisdictions with significant Indigenous populations (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States). The chapter itself has been organized into several sections in order to more readily provide readers with a conceptual framework as well as identifiable gaps in the literature. After reviewing the jurisdictional and contextual information specific to each of the four countries, a conceptual framework is provided which identifies the various contributing factors to this issue and categorizes them according to whether they are systemic or individual. The chapter then reviews a number of system-based and targeted frontline programs that have been implemented in the four jurisdictions and provides commentary on their effectiveness and evidence-base. Finally, the chapter provides a review of the gaps in the literature, highlighting the need for additional research which is culturally responsive, gender-responsive, and inclusive of current trends in the field.

Perceived workplace adversity and correctional officer psychological well-being: an international examination of the impact of officer response styles

Abstract Correctional officers work in a highly challenging environment and are at a heightened risk of a range of negative stress-related health conditions. This study examines how correctional officer responses to adversity moderate the association between perceived workplace adversity and psychological well-being. The aim was to assess the degree that perceived workplace adversity predicts correctional officer psychological well-being and the subsequent impact on negative organizational outcomes such as absenteeism, presenteeism and job dissatisfaction. Hundred and seventy four officers completed an online questionnaire including measures of perceived workplace adversity, officer responses, psychological well-being and organizational impact. Structural Equation Modelling revealed that a heightened perception of workplace adversity predicted lower psychological well-being and in turn increased negative organizational impacts. Analyses indicated that using an interpersonal/solution focused response style moderated the relationship between perceived workplace adversity and psychological well-being, reducing its negative impact on well-being and in turn the frequency of negative organizational impacts. These findings offer insight into how officers’ perceptions of their working environment and how they respond to workplace adversity influence their psychological well-being and the organizations that employ them.