ABSTRACT
Aggressive behaviour has deleterious and far-reaching consequences for perpetrators, victims, and society. This chapter aims to advance theoretical understanding and practical application of social psychological principles within the context of risk assessment and management within forensic mental health settings. After establishing a working definition of aggression, this chapter reviews relevant social psychological theories and typologies of aggression. Next, approaches to assessment and management of aggressive behaviours within forensic settings are critically examined. The authors recommend a departure from traditional conceptualisations of aggression, in favour of a multidimensional approach to understanding, assessment, and management of aggressive behaviour within forensic settings. Finally, the authors introduce the Dynamic Assessment and Management of Situational Aggression (DAMSA). This adapted assessment tool aims to integrate current social psychological theory, with best practice principles for assessment and management, to reduce the risk of aggressive acts among of patients and staff within forensic mental health settings.
