Citation

Hopton J. Br. J. Soc. Work 1998; 28(2): 247-261.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a011326

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this paper the writer reviews the available literature on psychological profiling, discusses the differences between the facet approach to psychological profiling and other techniques which have been labelled 'psychological profiling', and discusses the applications of the facet approach. This discussion is followed by a critical evaluation of the potential of the facet approach as a means of assessing whether or not a person suffering from mental distress should be regarded as a risk to herself/himself or to other people. Finally, there is a discussion of issues around anti-oppressive and and-discriminatory practice, and the writer concludes that, in the light of recent mental health legislation and mental health policy decisions, the use of psychological profiling as a means of risk assessment could reduce the number of mentally distressed persons subjected to intrusive surveillance and/or compulsorily admitted to secure accommodation.