Justice
Psychology as a Tool for Social Justice and Reform
Psychology can do more than just improve people’s life — it can help them advocate for equal rights and access to opportunities for all people. On this page, I will share work that reflects how I’ve/would use psychology to promote equity, fairness, and social justice in correctional service.
Psychological Lens Of Justice
Justice isn’t served by just looking at punishing one party, the offender. It goes beyond understanding, healing, and prevention of future recurrences.
As a Forensic Psychology scholar, I understand how other factors like socioeconomic effects, mental illness, addiction, and trauma influence criminal acts.
Therefore, I have to always investigate, identify, and address the root cause in any criminality to better protect the community while helping the convicts reform.
Contemporary Areas of Focus For Social Justice
Research has shown that relying solely on punishment in correctional approaches may have limited effectiveness in minimizing recidivism in the present society. There is need to incorporate the following more nuanced evidence-based psychological interventions so you can also consider the underlying elements of criminality.
Mental Health Awareness
Untreated mental health struggles is common among criminals. I look at an expanded mental health service system, especially in mental-health related offences.
Reducing Recidivism
I see the need for more emphasis on rehabilitation services that promote educational support, addiction treatment, skilling up, and cognitive behavioral support. All to minimize reoffending.
Trauma-Informed Care
Correctional services might be overlooking trauma. Trauma-informed care can minimize instances of re-traumatization and ensure a robust healing and behavior change.
Cultural Competency
The criminal justice system should never disadvantage a given group or community at the expense of another. Cultural competency inspires recognition of systematic cultural inequalities.
My Vision For Criminal Justice System
I look forward to a future that balances accountability with compassion, punishment with rehabilitation, and public safety with individual dignity in the delivery of criminal justice. Because improving correctional practices is core to strengthening communities.