L. Alvin Malesky

Problematic Usage Among Highly-Engaged Players of Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games

One popular facet of Internet gaming is the massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG). Some individuals spend so much time playing these games that it creates problems in their lives. This study focused on players of World of Warcraft. Factor analysis revealed one factor related to problematic usage, which was correlated with amount of time played, and personality characteristics of agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and extraversion.

Severity of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Involvement with the Criminal Justice System

Abstract Two hundred and forty-one Vietnam combat veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) completed measures of PTSD symptom severity, combat exposure, depression, hostility, interpersonal violence, substance abuse, and arrest history. The majority of veterans with PTSD (63%) reported being arrested at least once after returning from Vietnam. Logistic regression analyses indicated that PTSD severity was positively correlated with arrest history even when other variables associated with criminal behavior were taken into account. Recommendations for evaluation and treatment of individuals with PTSD who are at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system are discussed.

Measuring Attitudes toward the Insanity Defense in Venirepersons: Refining the IDA-R in the Evaluation of Juror Bias 1

The negative attitude against the insanity defense held by venirepersons has a direct effect on individuals with mental illness who are in contact with the criminal justice system. Identifying factors in jurors that support negative attitudes is critical in trying to ensure that the insanity defense is given full consideration when pleaded by people with mental illnesses. This article used the Insanity Defense Attitude scale-Revised (IDA-R; Skeem, Louden, & Evans, 2004) to evaluate attitudes and factors supporting bias in 239 venirepersons. Through the use of confirmatory factor analyses a refined factor model was developed for the IDA-R, which was cross-validated on a sample of 567 undergraduates. Greater support for the death penalty and higher perception of insanity defense use were both related to a more negative attitude toward the insanity defense. Implications for jury selection and the fair treatment of individuals with mental illness are discussed.

Child Pornography Offending Seen Through Three Theoretical Lenses

Understanding the complex issues surrounding child pornography offending is still in its infancy, and questions regarding the etiological underpinnings of sexually deviant interests and behaviors for these offenders remain both salient and unanswered. This article considers these questions through the lenses of three psychological theories of behavior: (1) social learning theory, (2) courtship disorder theory, and (3) behavioral economics. The development and maintenance of child pornography offending, as well as the potential for off-line escalation of those behaviors, from each theoretical perspective is discussed and the implications for theoretically grounded clinical practice is explored.

Academic Dishonesty: Assessing the Threat of Cheating Companies to Online Education.

ABSTRACT Academic dishonesty has evolved to keep pace with changes in higher education. Websites now advertise the service of taking online courses for students. This study examined one such online company. Representatives from the company were professional and delivered the advertised services. Two experienced faculty members who co-taught the course used in this study were unable to identify the cheating company. The cheating company earned an “A” for the student. This article discusses the process by which the company was initially identified as well as provides an account of the interactions with the company that resulted in the student earning an “A.”

Training Experiences Essential for Obtaining a Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship

Sixteen forensic psychology postdoctoral fellowships are listed in the 2009–2010 American Psychology–Law Society postdoctoral directory (Proctor & Malesky, 2009). Obtaining one of these fellowships can be challenging, given their relatively small number and competitive applicant pool. Further, little is known about what training directors value in applicants. Fellowship directors provided recommendations for individuals desiring a position at their training site as part of this study. Suggestions included acquiring clinical experience working with individuals with severe mental illness and having a strong psychological assessment background. Additional recommendations for applicants desiring postdoctoral forensic placements are discussed.