Question

Joey was convicted of domestic violence. As part of his sentence, the judge has ordered that he attend therapy for anger management. This is considered _______ treatment. a. involuntary b. voluntary c. forced d. mandatory

Short answer

The correct answer is 'd. mandatory'.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the question

In this case, the person in question, Joey, did not choose to attend therapy out of his own free will, instead, it is a requirement set down by the judge as a part of his sentence. This makes the therapy not voluntary. Now, look at the available options.

Go through each option

The options are: involuntary, voluntary, forced, and mandatory. We've already established that the therapy is not voluntary, because it was not Joey's personal choice. So, we exclude option 'b' as a viable answer. Now, we consider the remaining options. 'Involuntary' and 'forced' suggest an element of coercion, but don't necessarily entail a legal requirement. 'Mandatory', however, specifically refers to something that is legally required. In legal and official context, it is the most appropriate term.

Select the correct answer

Considering the analysis performed in the previous steps, the answer is option 'd' - mandatory, as Joey has been legally ordered by the judge to attend therapy as part of his sentence.

Key concepts

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is a grave societal problem affecting individuals from all walks of life. It encompasses a range of behaviors, including physical assault, sexual abuse, psychological intimidation, and controlling actions that one partner exerts over the other.

Understanding the dynamics of domestic violence is critical in promoting effective prevention and intervention strategies. The cycle of abuse typically follows a pattern of tension building, an act of violence, followed by reconciliation or a 'honeymoon' phase. However, without intervention, the cycle tends to repeat itself, often escalating in severity.

Mandatory treatment, such as anger management therapy, can be part of a judicial response to domestic violence offenses. The goal is to rehabilitate the offender and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Educational programs for offenders often cover topics of power and control dynamics, recognizing abusive patterns, and developing healthier relationship skills.

Anger Management Therapy

Anger management therapy focuses on helping individuals understand and control their anger triggers and responses. It offers strategies and tools to manage strong emotions and behavior, often through a cognitive-behavioral approach.

Sessions may include techniques like:

• Relaxation methods, such as breathing exercises and mindfulness,
• Cognitive restructuring to alter negative thought patterns,
• Problem-solving skills to deal with provocative situations in a non-aggressive way,
• Effective communication to express frustrations without resorting to outbursts.

The therapy is designed to foster self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and encourage the development of healthy coping strategies. Mandated anger management therapy, as seen in the textbook exercise, is often part of sentencing for individuals convicted of violent crimes, especially domestic violence.

Legal Requirements in Psychology

The field of psychology intersects with the legal system in several ways, and ethical practice calls for adherence to legal requirements. When a court orders mandatory treatment, psychologists must maintain a balance between their professional duty of care and the legal mandates they are obliged to follow.

Key aspects of this relationship include:

• Confidentiality: Although psychologists are bound by confidentiality, legal requirements may necessitate disclosure of certain information to legal authorities,
• Duty to report: Psychologists may have a legal duty to report imminent threats or ongoing abuse to appropriate agencies,
• Record-keeping: Accurate and secure records must be kept to ensure professional accountability and legal documentation.

It's important for psychologists to be well-versed in both ethical codes and local laws to effectively navigate scenarios involving mandatory treatment, such as court-ordered therapy for domestic violence offenders.