Traumatic Brain Injury in Incarcerated Offenders, Treatment of

A range of studies has indicated possible links between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and offending. In general, the consequences of brain injury may include poorer cognitive skills (memory, concentration, planning), decreased awareness of one’s own or others’ emotional state (including empathy), poor behavioral control (impulsivity, irritability), and particularly, poor social judgment. Indeed, sociobehavioral problems are common, such as being less able to de-escalate threats and acting without considering consequences of action. Moreover, it is likely that problems with attention, memory, and executive functions would limit capacity to fully engage in forensic rehabilitation to enable behavior change, such as the ability to pay attention, remember, and follow through on advice about new ways to manage a problem situation. This entry begins with a brief overview of ...