Publication Type: Poster
Abstract: The Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS; Tangney, Baumeister, & Boone, 2004)is a 13 item abbreviation of the Self-Control Scale recently developed to measure five domains of self-control -- controlling thoughts, controlling emotions, controlling impulses, regulating behavior/performance, and habit-breaking. Previous research supports the reliability and validity of the BSCS in a community sample of young adults; however, researchers have not examined the measure’s utility in an offender population. In this presentation, we evaluate the reliability and validity of the BSCS in a sample of 584 inmates held on felony charges at a suburban county jail. Results indicated the measure’s reliability (alpha=.85), and correlations with other constructs supported the measure’s construct validity. BSCS scores were associated in a theoretically consistent manner with self-reports of: values as measured by the Values in Action Scale (Peterson & Seligman, 2002), including Perseverance (r=.58) and Judgment (r=.58); relevant scales of the Personality Assessment Inventory (Morey, 1991), including Self-Harm (impulse control)(r=-.68), Antisocial Behavior (r=-.60), and Violence Potential (r=-.54). Finally, BSCS scores were significantly correlated with clinician ratings of inmates’ psychopathy, as assessed by the Psychopathy Checklist, Screening Version (Hare, et al., 1995) (r=-.25). Together, these results indicate that the Brief Self-Control Scale may be useful in research and clinical applications with offenders in correctional settings.

Publication Type: Proceeding

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: It is important to acknowledge that, in dealing with contemporary jihadi extremism, it has so far been very difficult to get the balance right between the imperatives of security and the rights of liberty. And it is equally important to acknowledge that the repeat of another 9/11 or a Madrid-style atrocity is something any government would want to be seen to have done everything possible to avoid. There can be little doubt that the capacity to protect its citizens against terrorism and subversion is a necessary attribute of any modern state. Given the inherently clandestine nature of terrorist organizations, dealing with terrorism is a highly complex and demanding task which requires a clear, coherent and integrated response strategy. While it is incumbent upon governments to protect society and to bring the perpetrators of violence to justice, their response needs to be measured in terms of its effectiveness in tackling terrorism without undermining the support of the wider population for law and order and without putting basic liberties at risk. Making a sound balanced judgment between the need to act and the need to ensure against over-reaction is pivotal in the fight against terrorism. That said, neither lethargy nor hysteria are good ways of approaching national security. Balanced determination grounded in facts and sound judgements about the nature of the challenge confronting us is more useful than quick-fix solutions.This paper will use a number of case studies to argue that the exaggeration by national governments of the terrorist threat in order to produce and sustain a credible anti-terrorism narrative; manipulate public opinion; push through draconian legislation or even win elections is not a post-9/11 phenomenon. Which does not mean to say that it should be acceptable in 21st century western democracies.This paper?s main argument, however, will be that the exaggeration of the terrorist threat and playing politics with it creates more problems than it solves, ultimately traumatizing the very liberty and democratic culture which the terrorists seek to destroy.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript

Publication Type: Invited Paper
Abstract: Anchored in androgogy, organizational communication theory, and employment law, Business Communication offers intensive training in both interviewing and oral briefings. Interviews are designed to simulate the first through final employment interviews. Briefings are designed to be project updates that are business-appropriate and of meeting report length. Adapting to the physical environment, refining usage of visuals, being videotaped, and surviving hostile public questioning all make for a busy and effective workshop-style class.