Case Formulation. Forensic Child Psychology

Essay from the year 2018 in the subject Psychology - Forensic Psychology, Penal System, grade: Merit, University of Lincoln, course: MSc Forensic Psychology, language: English, abstract: Formulation can be defined as the process of constructing a hypothesis or 'best guess' about the origins of a person's difficulties in the context of their relationships, social circumstances, life events, and the sense that they have made of them. It provides a structure for thinking together with the client or service user about how to understand their experience(s) and how to move forward. The presentation of the case formulation will be conducted in accordance with the categories for consideration outlined in Weerasekara (1996) as follows: presenting issues; predisposing factors; precipitating factors; perpetuating factors and protective factors. These provide a clear comprehensive structure for reporting on the static, dynamic and contextual factors that may affect Tom's behaviour and subsequent offending related judgements. The theoretical underpinning of the case formulation will be in accordance with the biopsychosocial model of psychological understanding. Metz (2005) provided a series of key recommendation(s) to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) commission on psychotherapy concerning the definition of the biopsychosocial model, which he comprehensively defined: 'A biopsychosocial formulation is a tentative working hypothesis developed collaboratively with the child and family, which attempts to explain the biological, psychological and sociocultural factors which have combined to create and maintain the presenting clinical concern and which support the child's best functioning... It will be changed, modified or amplified as the clinician and family learn more and more about the strengths and needs of the child and family'.

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