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. 2022 Feb 10;30(2):161-176.
doi: 10.1080/13218719.2021.2003268. eCollection 2023.

Executive function in individuals who are compliant and non-compliant with the conditions of a community-based sentence

Emily M Norman  1 , Devon L L Polaschek  1 , Nicola J Starkey  1
Affiliations

Executive function in individuals who are compliant and non-compliant with the conditions of a community-based sentence

Emily M Norman et al. Psychiatr Psychol Law. .

Abstract

Executive function encompasses multiple processes (e.g. regulating emotions, managing behaviours, problem-solving) essential in daily living. A growing body of neuropsychological research shows a relationship between executive dysfunction and criminal behaviour. However, is executive functioning relevant to sentence management? We examined relationships between self-reported executive functioning and community supervision sentence compliance. Sixty-four individuals serving community-based supervision sentences completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version, and their compliance data for six months were collected from probation officer notes. The sample's mean scores were significantly higher (i.e. poorer executive functioning) than those for the normative sample. Those who complied with sentence conditions had higher mean scores than those who were non-compliant. Subsequent exploratory analyses showed that those with poorer executive functioning received more probation officer support to comply with sentence conditions. Attention to responsivity issues like executive function problems may help avoid entrapping people in the criminal justice system.

Keywords: BRIEF-A; Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version; community-based sentences; compliance; executive functioning; offenders; probation; probation officers; responsivity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Emily M. Norman has declared no conflicts of interest Devon L. L. Polaschek has declared no conflicts of interest Nicola J. Starkey has declared no conflicts of interest

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