The forensic mental health tribes: Identifying a research community
Maggs, Adele Chilvers, Clair
Maggs, Adele
Chilvers, Clair
Abstract
This paper considers the gender, age, and professional groupings of the forensic mental health research community in the United Kingdom, as identified by applications during the 12-year life (1996-2007) of the Department of Health Forensic Mental Health RD Programme. The results indicate that psychiatry no longer has an almost monopolistic position in pursuing research in this area. Nevertheless, psychiatrists retain a dominant position. In contrast, psychologists, while now having a massive presence in this area, seem to do much less well proportionally in obtaining grants. Other professional groupings now have a presence in this field, perhaps unimaginable even a decade ago. Discipline rather than gender is the crucial variable in identifying the likelihood of being a successful applicant. However, females are more likely to be in the role of co-investigator than principal investigator. Finally, the age distribution of this research community looks healthy and there is no imminent 'retirement problem' which could adversely affect its development. Placing the findings within a wider context, the future is less clear. There are important structural issues which indicate the fragility of the forensic mental health research community. The authors conclude that, although modest in its aims and scope, this study provides a basis for considering the future of forensic mental health research and its community of researchers.
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Date
2008
Type
Article
Subject
Health personnel, Health services research
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Citation
Soothill, K., Harney, K., Maggs, A. & Chilvers, C. (2008). The forensic mental health tribes: Identifying a research community. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, 19 (4), pp.441-459.