185. Jason Warr; Unmasking Vulnerability: The Dual Dominance Experienced by Forensic Psychologists

We were captivated by the depth and richness of Jason's research. His passion for the subject matter was evident, and it shone through in his detailed responses in this podcast.

Jason, discusses his research on the experiences of forensic psychologists working in prisons. He emphasizes the importance of humanizing the individuals in the prison system and understanding their vulnerability and humanness.  He mentions the fragmentation of services in prisons and the need to return to more therapeutic practices that were lost in the 1990s.

Jason initially faced challenges in gaining access to conduct his research on risk assessment models in prisons. - He discusses the diffusing of responsibility and the opaque system of bureaucracy within the prison system. 

Jason talks about the need for forensic psychologists to be aware of their power and the effects it has on individuals.

He mentions the existence of a whisper network among women working in prisons to protect themselves from sexism and misogyny. Jason highlights the hidden power dynamics within the prison system and the impact of decisions made by forensic psychologists.

He expresses his desire for changes in the prison system, including more awareness of power dynamics, better support for forensic psychologists, and the importance of conducting research that may challenge existing practices.  Jason discusses the challenges of maintaining optimism and avoiding cynicism in his work, mentioning the importance of self-care and maintaining distance from the emotional aspects of the research. - He reflects on the benefits of having in-depth conversations with participants and understanding their perspectives, even if they may not align with his own.