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Interpersonal Style and Complementarity Between Crisis Negotiators and Forensic Inpatients

NCJ Number
235342
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 26 Issue: 4 Dated: May 2011 Pages: 277-283
Author(s)
Lindsay H. Dewa; Carol A. Ireland; Neil Gredecki
Date Published
May 2011
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This research study looked at the interpersonal relationship between crisis negotiators and forensic inpatients.
Abstract
Previous negotiation research has explored the interaction and communication between crisis negotiators and perpetrators. A crisis negotiator attempts to resolve a critical incident through negotiation with an individual, or group of persons in crisis. The purpose of this study was to establish the interpersonal style of crisis negotiators and complementarity of the interpersonal interaction between them and forensic inpatients. Crisis negotiators, clinical workers and students (n=90) used the Check List of Interpersonal Transactions-Revised (CLOIT-R) to identify interpersonal style, along with 8 vignettes detailing interpersonal styles. Crisis negotiators were most likely to have a friendly interpersonal style compared to the other non-trained groups. Complementarity theory was not exclusively supported as submissive individuals did not show optimistic judgments in working with dominant forensic inpatients and vice versa. Exploratory analysis revealed that dominant crisis negotiators were optimistic in working with forensic inpatients with a dominant interpersonal style. This study provides insight into the area of interpersonal complementarity of crisis negotiators and forensic inpatients. Whilst further research is required, a potential new finding was established, with significant 'similarity' found when dominant crisis negotiators are asked to work with dominant forensic inpatients. (Published Abstract)