"James McGuire is one of the leading international experts on what works in reducing reoffending, and he has written an extremely valuable and accessible textbook on psychology and crime. The book is a clearly written, well-researched and up-to-date survey of important contributions of psychology to key criminological issues. It is especially noteworthy for its illuminating reviews of cognitive-social learning theories, risk factors and longitudinal studies, risk assessment, cognitive-behavioural programmes and meta-analyses of treatment effectiveness."
Professor David Farrington, Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge
McGuire argues for a broader understanding of crime, based on factors such as the individual’s cognitive and emotional development, in addition to the influences of socialization, peer groups, and the social and economic environment. He highlights the value of understanding ‘pathways’ to offending behaviour, and the critical points at which choices are made. Topics include:
James McGuire is Professor of Forensic Clinical Psychology at the University of Liverpool, UK. He has worked with offenders in a variety of settings and conducted research in prisons, probation, youth justice, and mental health services, and has been involved in an advisory capacity to criminal justice agencies in a number of countries.