Kaizen: working responsively with psychopathic traits

Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, Ahead of Print. Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe how Kaizen, an accredited offending behaviour programme designed for high risk and need offenders within Her Majesty ’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), lends itself to responsive delivery with those meeting the criteria for psychopathy. Design/methodology/approach The paper describes how the theoretical rationale and model of change underpinning Kaizen can be applied to those with high levels of psychopa thic traits given the available literature in this area. Findings It is argued that Kaizen is applicable to those meeting the criteria for psychopathy. Research limitations/implications As a contemporary intervention, the efficacy of Kaizen in its ability to support participants in their journey towards desistance and therefore to contribute to the service wide aim of reducing reoffending is yet to be evaluated. In turn, its applicability to those meeting the criteria for psychopathy is yet to be explored. Practical implications This paper lends support to the applicability of Mann and C arter’s (2012) six organising principles of programme design in the treatment of high risk, high need offenders who meet the criteria for psychopathy. It encourages practitioners to consider Kaizen as a possible intervention option for this population and offers guidance as to how the programme mi ght be used to best effect. The paper also highlights the imp...

Source: Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice - June 15, 2018 Category: Criminology Source Type: research