Mental health professionals in forensic settings are increasingly called upon to assess the probability of dangerous behaviour, or level of risk, that certain individuals pose to the community. These assessments may inform decisions concerning the containment and management of violent offenders within forensic settings, sentencing options, and whether or not to grant bail or parole. In this paper we provide an overview of the key issues associated with the assessment of dangerous behaviour. Specifically, we briefly consider the debate on clinical versus actuarial assessments of dangerous behaviour and risk, and provide a synopsis of the current research on dangerous behaviour, focusing on the key areas of mental disorder, psychopathy, and substance use. Finally, we outline guidelines for addressing specific content areas in the clinical risk-assessment process and discuss areas for future research.

Many children are reported by parents to exhibit problems of conduct at home, and similarly many children are reported by teachers to exhibit conduct problems at school. Surprisingly, very little research has examined the extent to which children exhibit behavioural problems in the clinical range at both home and school. The current study examined the co-occurrence of problems at home and school in a sample of 189 children in schools in Victoria. The total sample consisted of (a) 124 children whose parents responded to invitations to participate distributed through schools, and (b) 65 children who had been referred to various agencies because of conduct problems. The occurrence of problems at home was assessed using the Child Behaviour Checklist (Achenbach & Edelbrock, 1983), and problems at school were assessed using the Teacher Report Form (Achenbach & Edelbrock, 1986). For the school sample, 7 children (5.6%) exhibited conduct problems in both settings (scores in the borderline/ clinical range), with 27 children (21.7%) exhibiting them in one setting only. For the clinic sample, 39 children (60.0%) exhibited problems in both settings, with 21 children (32.3%) exhibiting them in one setting only. The results of this study indicate the need for interventions that can be used consistently across home and school settings, as well as independently in single settings when warranted.

Twenty, fifth- and sixth-grade students who reported mild depressive symptomatology were placed into a brief intervention program. The program was conducted over eight, weekly, 90-minute sessions and aimed to teach students depression management strategies and positive coping skills. Significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety and externalising behaviour were found and maintained for six months. The results lend support to the effectiveness of this brief program for early intervention in depression. The potential for the program to prevent the later development of clinical depression and related problems is discussed.

This case study reports a brief cognitive-behavioural intervention with a 10-year-old child who presented in a clinical setting with an adjustment disorder which has been rarely discussed in the literature. The focus of the paper is on the intervention which was individually devised to suit the child, the particular presenting problems, and the family context of the child. Although there were no quantitative data collected, the outcome as reported by the client and her carer, together with clear behavioural indicators, attested to positive effects of therapy. Relevant factors that contributed to the outcome are discussed.

The current study demonstrates the efficacy of using a behavioural contingency contract in conjunction with family-selected reinforcers to increase appointment keeping among low income families in a child and family therapy clinic. Three families with similar presenting problems participated. A multiple baseline across-subjects design with the addition of a reversal component was utilised. Upon treatment implementation, contracts were signed by family members stating that they would receive coupons valuing $30.00 after attending four consecutive clinic appointments. These coupons were selected by the family from a diverse menu. Results indicated increases in appointment keeping following implementation of the behavioural contract. The cost effectiveness of using a behavioural contract in conjunction with economic incentives with low-income families is discussed, and suggestions for future research on appointment keeping are made.

The research aimed to examine ways in which applied tension for blood-injury phobia may be improved. The effect on blood pressure of two forms of muscle tension under three different rates of breathing is reported. Forty-five participants were randomly assigned to use either constant or rhythmic muscle tension under three different breathing rates (i.e., fast, slow, and normal). The effects on systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. Results indicated that both constant and rhythmic forms of muscle tension increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, rhythmic tension was significantly more effective than constant tension at raising diastolic blood pressure. Breathing rate had no differential effects on blood pressure. Suggestions are made about modifications of Applied Tension in the treatment of blood-injury phobia.

Patients who are diagnosed with advanced cancer frequently experience high levels of anxiety and depression. Few of the studies that evaluated psychological interventions with this cohort have demonstrated improvements in psychological measures in the period following therapy. However, a recent study that evaluated the efficacy of a group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) intervention with patients who had advanced breast cancer found improved outcomes on measures of mood and self-esteem following the intervention. This paper describes some of the CBT techniques used in the intervention, which might also be useful in the treatment of patients with other types of terminal illness.