Modifying risk factors – building strengths

This chapter proposes that offender treatment and rehabilitation may benefit from including concepts from positive psychology. It demonstrates with pertinent examples what a positive forensic neuroscience might have to offer treatment and rehabilitation in forensic settings. comprehensive risk assessment and management model that is based on theoretical principles is the risk-needs-responsivity model (RNR). During the past decades, research groups across the world have started to study the structure and functioning of the brain in forensic samples, including individuals with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and psychopathy by means of neuroimaging techniques. The human brain has considerable plasticity and capacity for resilience. The chapter elaborates on recent findings from research on structural and functional changes in the brain, as a result of two examples of strengths-based treatment approaches: mindfulness training and physical exercise. Physical exercise, particularly aerobic fitness, also benefits brain functioning in the frontal and prefrontal areas, resulting in improved executive functioning.