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Jamie S. Klugiewicz, Psy.D., is a 2023 graduate of the Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, New England

Dissertation Committee:

  • Monique S. Bowen, PhD, Committee Chair
  • Jeffrey Burl, PhD, Committee Member
  • Kimberly B. Edwards, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

dementia, violence risk assessment, violence risk factors, violence risk assessment instruments, forensic psychology

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2023

Abstract

This is a mixed-method study exploring Designated Forensic Psychologists’ (DFPs) experiences with the violence risk assessment (VRA) of individuals diagnosed with dementia. DFPs (N = 23, 69.6% female, 87% White) completed an online survey investigating the frequency of VRA and dementia, potential change in VRA method in response to dementia, application of existing VRA instruments, and perceived benefit of tailored guidelines and VRA instruments. Most in this sample (84.2%) endorsed cases involving VRA and dementia that typically comprised 5% or less of lifetime cases. The presence of dementia had a variable impact on the approach to VRA, and thematic analysis revealed that changes in method were related to the clinical interview being impacted, the need for objective cognitive assessment, and increased reliance on collateral records or informants. Sixty-three percent reported using existing VRA instruments with perceived applicability to the population. However, many participants reported being less confident in their evaluations and an overwhelming majority reported perceiving benefit from the development of tailored guidelines or VRA instruments. These results shed light on the importance of future research to investigate the unique needs of this population concerning VRA.

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Jamie S. Klugiewicz

ORCID Scholar ID# 0009-0007-7657-2514

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