The Role of Client Strengths in Assessments of Violence Risk Using the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START)

Abstract

Despite significant advances in the field of violence risk assessment, we are limited in our understanding regarding the utility of existing measures for predicting violence risk over brief time frames (i.e., weeks to months) as well as by our focus on factors that increase risk to the neglect of those which may reduce risk or protect against future violence. To address these knowledge gaps, this study evaluated the use of a structured professional guide, the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START; Webster, Martin, Brink, Nicholls, & Middleton, 2004), in assessing short-term violence risk (i.e., up to one year) and, specifically, the role of client strengths in this process. Research assistants completed file-based START assessments for four 3-month intervals for 30 male forensic psychiatric inpatients. Information pertaining to aggressive incidents was obtained from files. Overall, results supported the usefulness of the START in assessing short-term violence risk. Assessments evidenced validity in predicting future violence, particularly over the short-term (i.e., up to 9 months). Although ratings of client strengths did not contribute uniquely to the prediction of violence risk, results support their clinical utility in risk management.