Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #10 - Understanding, Assessing, Managing and Reducing RISK (ACJ10-A009)

Article 9: An Exploratory Study On The Impact Of A Strength-Based And Desistance-Informed Approach To Motivational Feedback On Risk-Needs (ACJ10-A009)

Abstract

This study examined if integrating strength-based and desistance elements in RNR-based risk feedback would motivate offenders to change. Eighteen drug users in the Singapore Drug Rehabilitation Centre received motivational feedback on their risk/needs identified in their Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI) assessments and were guided to identify their strengths and values in order to set life goals. Deductive thematic analysis of their goal-planner showed that those who became motivated after feedback displayed signals of motivation for change by recognizing offending problems, expressing intentions to change, and planning goals and prosocial ways to achieve them, as compared to those who did not. The findings support a practical strength based and desistance approach to motivating offenders.

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Authors

Shermaine Chionh

Psychologist, Singapore Prison Service, Singapore

Ms Shermaine Chionh graduated with a Master of Social Science (Psychology Research) in 2017 and has since been with the Singapore Prison Service (SPS), Correctional Research Branch, as a psychologist. Her core work involves conducting research to understand what works for offender rehabilitation and reintegration, so as to inform SPS correctional practices and policies. Her key projects investigate how to motivate offenders for rehabilitation and to alleviate their rehabilitation barriers. As a practitioner, she also conducts assessments and interventions for adult violent and sex offenders.

Ng Siew Zhen Jeslyn

Correctional Rehabilitation Specialist, Singapore Prison Service, Singapore

Ms Ng Siew Zhen Jeslyn graduated with a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology and joined Singapore Prison Service (SPS) as a research officer in 2018. She has been involved in research projects looking into offender rehabilitation and addictionrelated issues. Her main projects examine how to assess and motivate offenders for rehabilitation. She is currently a correctional rehabilitation specialist, conducting assessments and interventions for young offenders.

Cheng Xiang Long

Senior Assistant Director, Correctional Research Branch, Singapore Prison Service, Singapore

Mr Cheng Xiang Long graduated with a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology (2nd Upper) and joined Singapore Prison Service (SPS) as a psychologist in 2008. He went on a two-year study leave in 2012 to complete his Master’s Degree in Psychology (Clinical), and returned to SPS as a psychologist in 2014. He is currently a Lead Psychologist, and is the Senior Assistant Director of the Correctional Research Branch. As a Lead Psychologist, he conducts assessments and intervention for adult violent and sex offenders, and offenders with mental illnesses. He also supervises other psychologists in their assessment and intervention work. Additionally, as the Senior Assistant Director of the research unit, he oversees a team of psychologists and research officers in conducting research on offenders’ needs and profiling to inform policy and practice of rehabilitation in Singapore Prison Service.

Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #10 - Understanding, Assessing, Managing and Reducing RISK (ACJ10-A009)

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