About

My research seeks to address a deficit in the literature regarding violent offending by those suffering from major mental illness. Stereotypes lead many to believe that mental illness causes violence. However, much research has determined that violence by those suffering from a major mental illness is driven by the same historical, dispositional, and contextual factors associated with violence in non mentally ill offenders. One such factor which has not yet been examined in relation to mentally ill offenders is masculinity. A wealth of criminological literature exists which establishes links between masculinity and crime, and more specifically violence, within the non mentally disordered population.

My research aims to give consideration to the roles played by masculinity and mental health in the offending histories of violent males suffering from major mental illness. This examination will clarify the development and causes of such life histories and the violent incidents they comprise, as well as having important implications for how we treat and manage such individuals in the criminal justice system and forensic mental health services.