Behavioral Forensics: Using Applied Behavior Analysis in Psychological Court Evaluations

Behavioral Forensics: Using Applied Behavior Analysis in Psychological Court Evaluations presents the first compendia on the application of behavioral principles for the assessment and analysis of criminal behavior in court-ordered psychological evaluations. The book explains criminal motivation, risk behaviors, custody, criminal responsibility, and competence to stand trial. BFA employs principles and techniques of standard behavioral assessment in deducing causal evidence from interview and psychometric data. Sections cover evidence-based concepts and principles of BFA vs. obsolete forensic evaluation models, also including ten case studies that illustrate BFA in pre and post-sentencing evaluations that demonstrate how to determine risk of criminal recidivism or competency.

Considering the unprecedented numbers of psychologists turning to forensic work and influx of graduate programs offering degrees in criminal behavior analysis, this book is a timely resource for a variety of readers.

• Presents the advantages of using Behavioral Forensic Assessment (BFA) over personality theories
• Explains criminal motivation, risk behaviors, custody, criminal responsibility and competence to stand trial from a natural science (behavioral and interbehavioral) perspective
• Includes case studies that illustrate BFA in pre-sentencing and post-sentencing evaluations
• Offers the most scientific, evidence-based approach to criminal (forensic) psychological evaluations

Dr. Douglas Ruben is a forensic and licensed psychologist and national consultant in Applied Behavior Analysis, Personality Theory, Addictions, Rehabilitation, and Parenting. Locally, he conducts forensic evaluations and conducts a family and individual behavior therapy practice. He has conducted over 4000 forensic evaluations. His seminars on forensics, parent empowerment, schools, Personality Disorders, and Adult Children of Alcoholics appear nationwide through different seminar organizations. He has given over 3000 workshops across the United Stated from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine. He is author of over 72 practitioner and self-help books, and over 100 professional articles.