Behavior Sequencing Violent Episodes in Forensic Youth Populations

• Author: Tara Joyce,David D. Clarke,David A. Keatley,James Starritt,Adrian Parke
• Published date: 01 January 2022
• DOI: 10.1177/0306624X21988991
• Date: 01 January 2022
• Subject Matter: Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X21988991

International Journal of

Offender Therapy and

Comparative Criminology

2022, Vol. 66(1) 70 –83

© The Author(s) 2021

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DOI: 10.1177/0306624X21988991

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Article

Behavior Sequencing Violent

Episodes in Forensic Youth

Populations

David A. Keatley1,2 , James Starritt3,

Adrian Parke1,4, Tara Joyce1,

and David D. Clarke1,5

Abstract

Every year, more children and youths are sent to Secure Children’s Homes while

moving through the criminal justice system. Aggressive and violent incidents in

these settings are common, and staff are often required to intervene and restrain

violent individuals. The research literature has many examples of aggression and

violence questionnaires and measures; however, for staff in communal areas it is

the observable behaviors that they react to most. The current research, therefore,

analyzed observable behaviors leading-up to violent episodes, and used Behavior

Sequence Analysis to highlight the typical chains of behaviors that tend toward

violence. The outcomes of this research show pathways to violence that staff can

use to highlight potential spirals of aggression and violence. The current results show

the links between non-confrontational behaviors (e.g., talking) through to more

confrontational (staring, approaching, and pushing others). Overall, the research

forms the foundation for future investigation into these and similar settings and

outlines a novel approach to understanding violence escalation in a way that can be

interpreted and used by service staff.

Keywords

sequence analysis, forensic, violence, prevention

1Researchers in Behaviour Sequence Analysis (ReBSA)

2Murdoch University, Perth, Western Autralia

3University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK

4University of West of Scotland, Paisley, Renfrewshire, UK

5University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK

Corresponding Author:

David A. Keatley, ReBSA, School of Law, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Perth, 6150, Western

Autralia.

Email: David.Keatley@murdoch.edu.au

988991IJOXXX10.1177/0306624X21988991International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative CriminologyKeatley et al.

research-article2021