Working towards more culturally informed formulation using the power threat meaning framework

Abstract

Criminogenic needs are often negatively framed in terms of deficit or dysfunction. However, a trauma-informed approach would suggest that these criminogenic needs have often developed in response to adversity, had important survival value, and in certain circumstances may continue to have survival value for the individual. Understanding the context and function of criminogenic needs is therefore key to managing them. The Power Threat Meaning Framework is a useful framework for exploring the context and function of criminogenic needs. This paper proposes a framework, based on different forms of power, that practitioners can use to explore the impact of formative experiences of people from diverse backgrounds, as well as how those experiences have shaped meaning and responses for minoritized individuals. It can also be used to enable practitioners to reflect on the power differentials between themselves and the people they work with and how those differentials might affect the working relationship.