American Journal of Forensic Psychology (ISSN: 0733-1290) Official Website: https://americanforensicpsychology.org/ is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to research and professional practice in the field of forensic psychology, which explores the relationship between psychology and the legal system. The journal publishes original research, case studies, and theoretical papers related to criminal behavior, psychological assessment, legal decision-making, and mental health issues in legal contexts. Founded in 1983 and published by the American College of Forensic Psychology (ACFP), United States, the journal serves as a platform for psychologists, criminologists, legal scholars, and researchers working in applied and forensic psychology. It is indexed in international databases and is classified under Medicine (Pathology and Forensic Medicine) and Psychology (Applied Psychology). According to SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) 2024, the journal has an SJR score of 0.103, is placed in Q4, and has an H-Index of 20.
American College of Forensic Psychology (ACFP),
Psychological Profiling Using Digital Behavior Signals
Digital behavior signals—ranging from browsing patterns, language use, interaction frequency, biometric metadata, and online social network structures—have enabled computational models to infer psychological traits and behavioral tendencies. While these predictive systems advance research in personalized learning, mental health screening, and user experience optimization, they raise concerns around privacy, consent, algorithmic bias, and potential misuse. This paper synthesizes interdisciplinary literature from computational psychology, data science, digital sociology, and ethics to examine how behavioral signals correlate with psychological constructs. A new model, the Digital Behavioral Profiling Framework (DBPF), is proposed to conceptualize ethical analysis, data interpretation, and safeguards. The paper explicitly focuses on ethical, privacy-aligned, and non-exploitative applications.
digital psychology, behavioral signals, computational profiling, online behavior, ethical AI, privacy.
Copyright (c) 2025 American Journal of Forensic Psychology
Reintegration Stress in Released Inmates
Reintegration stress refers to the psychological, social, and economic strain experienced by formerly incarcerated individuals as they transition back into society. This paper examines the root causes, psychological outcomes, re-entry conditions, and systemic barriers that shape post-release stress among ex-inmates. The study analyzes societal stigma, employment denial, family fragmentation, addiction relapse, mental health challenges, and policy failures that hinder successful reintegration. Drawing on global rehabilitation initiatives, this paper introduces the Reintegration Stress Cycle (RSC) model and proposes multi-level interventions, including community-based rehabilitation, trauma-informed counseling, employment incentives, and post-release monitoring systems. Findings indicate that early-stage post-release support significantly reduces recidivism and promotes long-term social stability.
prison re-entry, recidivism, post-release trauma, social stigma, community rehabilitation, desistance theory
Psychological Impact of Privatized Prisons
Privatized prisons—correctional institutions managed by corporate entities for profit—are increasingly adopted by governments seeking reduced public expenditure and operational efficiency. However, the psychological consequences of such systems on inmates, staff, and communities remain insufficiently studied. This paper examines the mental and behavioral impacts of privatization, including profit-driven punishment models, reduced rehabilitation investment, scarcity of mental-health support, staff burnout, safety risks, and ownership-driven disciplinary practices. Drawing from comparative institutional analysis, behavioral studies, and penal economics, this research proposes the Corporate Incarceration Psychological Impact Framework (CIPIF). Findings indicate that privatization correlates with higher stress, deteriorated mental health, lower rehabilitation outcomes, and increased recidivism due to institutional cost-cutting and profit-based incentives.
privatized prisons, prison psychology, neoliberal punishment, rehabilitation outcomes, carceral capitalism, inmate mental health
Family Bonding Interventions for Prisoners
Family bonding interventions are a critical component of rehabilitative corrections, supporting social stability, emotional development, and post-release reintegration. Incarceration often disrupts parental identity, marital relationships, and intergenerational emotional ties, resulting in trauma, stigma, and social isolation. This paper evaluates the psychological rationale and effectiveness of structured family bonding programs in prisons, including family visitation frameworks, parental training workshops, trauma-informed counseling, therapeutic mediation, and digital communication systems. A new Family Reintegration Support Model (FRSM) is proposed to highlight how healthy family attachment reduces recidivism, improves emotional regulation, and strengthens community relationships.
Family Bonding Interventions, Correctional Rehabilitation, Attachment Theory, Post-Release Reintegration, Recidivism Reduction
Faith-Based Prison Rehabilitation Programs
Faith-based prison rehabilitation programs utilize religious teachings, spiritual counseling, community support networks, and moral development strategies to support offender transformation and post-release reintegration. Rooted in restorative justice principles, these programs aim to reduce recidivism, promote emotional healing, and reshape identity through spiritual meaning-making. While empirical research shows positive outcomes in motivation, behavior reform, and post-release adjustment, concerns remain about religious coercion, unequal access, doctrinal bias, and constitutional limitations. This paper synthesizes criminology, theology, cognitive psychology, and sociological perspectives to evaluate how faith-based interventions influence rehabilitation and reintegration trajectories. A Holistic Spiritual Rehabilitation Model (HSRM) is proposed to balance personal faith with ethical inclusivity.
Prison Reform, Faith-Based Programs, Spiritual Rehabilitation, Recidivism Reduction, Restorative Justice, Correctional Psychology
Copyright (c) 2024 American Journal of Forensic Psychology
Parole systems aim to balance public safety with rehabilitation-based reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. Predictive models of parole success allow decision-makers to assess risk, allocate resources, and design individualized support plans. This paper reviews psychological, social, behavioral, and algorithmic factors that predict parole outcomes, including antisocial cognition, employment stability, social support, criminal history, substance abuse, and post-release supervision quality. Using a hypothetical cross-national dataset covering the United States, India, and Spain, findings indicate that models combining psychological variables, behavioral metrics, and environmental data outperform traditional static criminal-history models. A hybrid predictive framework integrating machine learning and clinical judgment is proposed.
Parole Success, Recidivism Prediction, Risk Assessment, Reintegration, Criminal Justice Analytics
Female Inmates: Trauma-Informed Rehabilitation
Women in correctional facilities disproportionately experience prior trauma—including childhood abuse, domestic violence, sex trafficking, substance-related trauma, and psychological assault—yet most prison systems are structured for male offenders, neglecting gender-specific rehabilitation needs. This research examines trauma-informed rehabilitation frameworks designed specifically for female inmates, integrating psychological care, social reintegration, educational interventions, and post-release support. Using case analysis, rehabilitation model comparison, and trauma-behavior correlation studies, this paper proposes the Trauma-Informed Rehabilitation Continuum (TIRC) to guide correctional systems toward holistic recovery. Findings indicate that trauma-informed interventions reduce recidivism, improve mental health, and enhance reintegration outcomes.
female incarceration, trauma-informed care, prison rehabilitation, gender-responsive justice, re-entry programs
Art and music therapy programs in correctional facilities have emerged as holistic, non-invasive strategies for improving psychological well-being, reducing aggression, supporting identity reconstruction, and fostering rehabilitation. These therapies provide emotional expression, trauma processing, skill-building, and social cohesion among incarcerated individuals. This paper synthesizes interdisciplinary research from clinical psychology, criminology, and expressive therapy to analyze mechanisms through which creative programs benefit inmate populations. A new model—the Creative Rehabilitation Impact Model (CRIM)—is proposed to integrate emotional, cognitive, social, and behavioral outcomes. Recommendations include culturally adapted therapy curricula, trauma-informed facilitation, and integration with post-release reintegration services.
art therapy, music therapy, prisons, rehabilitation, mental health, restorative justice
Copyright (c) 2023 American Journal of Forensic Psychology
Group-Based Counseling Effectiveness in Prisons
Group-based counseling is widely adopted in correctional systems to support rehabilitation, emotional regulation, and prosocial identity formation. Unlike individual therapy, group interventions allow collective reflection, peer learning, interpersonal feedback, and social accountability—key factors in reducing recidivism. This paper evaluates the psychological impact of group-based counseling models on incarcerated populations, focusing on cognitive restructuring, emotional healing, anger management, and social reintegration. The proposed Group Rehabilitation Efficacy Model (GREM) outlines how shared experiences, guided facilitation, and structured therapeutic exercises contribute to behavioral change. Ethical and cultural considerations are discussed, emphasizing voluntary participation, mental health dignity, and post-release continuity.
Group-Based Counseling, Correctional Rehabilitation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Social Reintegration, Recidivism Reduction
AI Risk Scoring Models in Parole Decisions
Artificial intelligence (AI) risk scoring models are increasingly used in criminal justice systems to assist parole boards in evaluating offender rehabilitation, likelihood of recidivism, and public safety outcomes. These systems aim to support evidence-based, data-driven decision-making but raise concerns regarding algorithmic bias, fairness, transparency, ethical governance, and due process. This paper examines how AI-driven risk scores are constructed, how they influence parole outcomes, and what psychological, computational, and legal issues emerge. Using empirical research, comparative policy analysis, and evaluation of major tools such as COMPAS and LSI-R, the study proposes a Human-AI Hybrid Parole Decision Framework to balance predictive accuracy with accountability and ethical safeguards.
AI in Criminal Justice, Recidivism Prediction, Parole Boards, Algorithmic Fairness, Risk Assessment Tools, Legal AI
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Repeat Violent Offenders
Repeat violent offenders frequently exhibit persistent maladaptive cognition, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and antisocial behavior. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based psychological treatment method, has demonstrated promise in reducing aggression, restructuring criminogenic thought patterns, and improving self-regulation. This paper analyzes the application of CBT in correctional settings, examining psychological mechanisms, program design, challenges of implementation, and long-term outcomes. Using a hypothetical dataset from three jurisdictions—the United States, India, and Spain—results indicate that CBT participation reduces recidivism rates by improving anger management, moral reasoning, and coping strategies. A multi-stage treatment model is proposed combining CBT with social reintegration support.
CBT, Recidivism, Violent Crime, Offender Rehabilitation, Criminal Justice Psychology
The emergence of the metaverse—persistent, immersive, interconnected virtual ecosystems powered by extended reality (XR), AI, and blockchain—has catalyzed new forms of cybercrime that transcend traditional digital offenses. This paper investigates virtual criminality in metaverse environments, including avatar-based harassment, digital identity theft, virtual property theft, decentralized financial fraud, and immersive psychological manipulation. By analyzing case studies, technological frameworks, behavioral models, and regulatory gaps, the paper proposes the Metaverse Crime Interaction Model (MCIM) and outlines governance strategies to prevent cross-reality harm. The findings demonstrate that immersive environments intensify emotional, psychological, and financial harm, blurring the legal boundary between real-world and virtual crime.
metaverse crime, XR security, avatar identity, virtual governance, cryptoeconomics, cyber law
Fake News Creators and Cognitive Manipulation
Fake news is a form of intentionally deceptive information designed to manipulate public opinion, influence behavior, or shape social narratives. Psychological manipulation embedded in misinformation exploits cognitive biases, emotional triggers, identity-driven reasoning, and information overload in digital ecosystems. This paper examines the behavioral psychology behind fake news production and dissemination, not to enable misinformation creation, but to support prevention and media resilience. A conceptual model, the Cognitive Manipulation Misinformation Cycle (CMMC), is proposed to show how emotional arousal, bias reinforcement, and algorithmic amplification jointly fuel belief adoption. The study emphasizes countermeasures including digital literacy, critical thinking education, platform policy, and ethical communication frameworks.
Fake News, Cognitive Biases, Emotional Manipulation, Algorithmic Amplification, Media Literacy
Online Vigilantism and Moral Justification
Online vigilantism refers to the act of individuals or loosely-organized groups using digital platforms to identify, shame, expose, or punish alleged wrongdoers outside formal legal institutions. This phenomenon has expanded rapidly through social media mobilization, hacktivism, doxxing campaigns, cyber harassment, and crowdsourced investigations. While some view these actions as digital empowerment or grassroots justice, online vigilantism raises concerns regarding due process, misinformation, mob psychology, moral overreach, and psychological harm to both targets and participants. This paper analyzes the moral psychology behind online vigilantism, including moral outrage, group identity, perceived justice deficits, anonymity-induced disinhibition, revenge motives, and social validation. A Behavioral Ethical Vigilantism Model is proposed to map pathways between outrage, collective judgment, and digital punishment.
Vigilantism, Moral Panic, Digital Ethics, Online Shaming, Cyber Justice, Mob Psychology
Copyright (c) 2021 American Journal of Forensic Psychology
Psychological Impact of Deepfake Threats
Deepfakes—AI-generated synthetic media that convincingly manipulate faces, voices, or bodies—have created new forms of psychological harm. Beyond misinformation and fraud, deepfake threats trigger identity insecurity, social paranoia, reputational anxiety, sexual coercion, and trauma-based fear responses. This paper examines the psychological impact of being threatened with a deepfake, even when no deepfake is released. Using a hypothetical cross-country dataset, the study shows deepfake threat exposure correlates with elevated anxiety, fear of public humiliation, loss of self-agency, and long-term distrust of digital environments. A trauma pathway model is proposed, explaining how such threats alter self-perception, social functioning, and emotional regulation.
Deepfakes, Digital Trauma, Cyberpsychology, Identity Manipulation, Harassment, Psychological Harm
Gamification has increasingly emerged as a behavioral strategy in cybercrime ecosystems, particularly in darknet communities, ransomware groups, and online fraud forums. This paper explores how gaming mechanisms—such as reward tiers, rankings, points, achievement badges, and competitive status—shape participation, motivation, recruitment, and escalation within cybercrime networks. Through a mixed-method analysis based on case studies, psychological models, and dark-forum observation, this research constructs a Gamified Cybercrime Participation Model (GCPM) explaining how game mechanics stimulate criminal engagement. The findings suggest that gamification increases skill acquisition, loyalty, and operational efficiency, making cybercrime more accessible to novices and more scalable for organized threat groups.
Cybercrime gamification, darknet ecosystems, cyber-psychology, ransomware groups, cyber recruitment
Online scams depend not only on technical execution but on psychological dynamics between scammers and targets. Personality traits—including narcissism, entitlement, lack of empathy, and grandiosity—are frequently observed among perpetrators of social manipulation and fraud. This paper analyzes how narcissistic traits may contribute to scam creation, focusing on cognitive distortions, self-image maintenance, and emotional detachment. A new model, the Narcissistic Exploitation Pathway Framework (NEPF), is proposed to explain how narcissistic tendencies, combined with opportunities in digital ecosystems, may lead to fraudulent behavior. The emphasis is placed on criminological profiling, psychological theory, and prevention—not procedural methods of committing scams.
narcissism, online fraud, cybercrime psychology, manipulation, criminology, personality traits.
Cyberstalking and Digital Harassment Patterns
Cyberstalking is characterized by repeated, unwanted online surveillance, communication, intimidation, or digital intrusion intended to harass, control, or threaten individuals. Unlike traditional stalking, digital harassment leverages anonymity, technological tools, and persistent access to victims through personal devices. This paper examines psychological motivations behind cyberstalkers, victim risk factors, digital behavioral patterns of harassment, and intervention strategies. A conceptual Digital Harassment Pattern Model (DHPM) is introduced, identifying escalation stages from initial monitoring to aggressive confrontation. The aim is to support prevention, policy development, mental health response, and digital safety—not harmful application.
Cyberstalking, Digital Harassment, Online Surveillance, Psychological Impact, Digital Safety and Prevention
Digital Identity Theft Psychological Motivations
Digital identity theft refers to the unauthorized acquisition and misuse of another individual’s personal information for unlawful gain, social manipulation, impersonation, financial crimes, or psychological gratification. While technological vulnerabilities play a known role, the psychological motivations behind identity theft are less understood. This paper investigates emotional, cognitive, and sociocultural factors driving offenders, including power motivation, ego reinforcement, financial desperation, anonymity-induced disinhibition, revenge, voyeuristic curiosity, and criminal entrepreneurship. Data from case studies, offender interviews, and cyber-behavioral models indicate that identity theft is not purely opportunistic—but deeply rooted in personality traits, social context, online subcultures, and addiction-like digital gratification cycles. A "Psychological Motivation Matrix" is proposed to categorize offender drivers across affective, instrumental, and pathological domains.
Identity Theft, Cybercrime Psychology, Online Fraud, Anonymity, Digital Deviance, Behavioral Criminology
The dark web—segments of the internet accessible through anonymizing tools such as Tor—hosts alternative cultural ecosystems built on anonymity, anti-institutional norms, and decentralized market structures. These environments foster both subcultural innovation and deviant behavior, including cybercrime, trafficking markets, extremist networks, and digital vigilantism. This paper examines psychological, sociological, and technological mechanisms shaping dark web culture and explains how anonymity, identity fluidity, and norm-breaking facilitate deviance. A hypothetical cross-national dataset demonstrates correlations between anonymity-driven disinhibition and engagement in illegal digital markets. The study proposes a socio-techno-behavioral model that connects cultural values to deviant outcomes.
Dark Web, Cybercrime, Online Subcultures, Deviant Behavior, Anonymity, Digital Ethics
Social engineering refers to deceptive attempts to influence human behavior to gain unauthorized access to information, systems, or resources. Rather than relying purely on technical exploitation, social engineering manipulates cognitive biases, trust heuristics, and emotional triggers. This paper examines the psychological mechanisms underlying social engineering and critiques theoretical models explaining how individuals are persuaded, misled, or coerced. A new framework—Psychological Vulnerability Exploitation Cycle (PVEC)—is proposed to organize cognitive, emotional, contextual, and environmental factors that increase susceptibility. Rather than describing manipulation tactics, this work emphasizes defensive strategies, workforce education, ethical design, and policy interventions
social engineering, cognitive bias, cybersecurity psychology, persuasion, human factors, deception prevention.
Internet Addiction and Cyber Criminality
Internet addiction has become a major global mental health concern, characterized by compulsive online engagement and loss of control over digital behavior. Parallel to this growth is an observed rise in cybercriminal activity, including hacking, fraud, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, online piracy, and extremist recruitment. This paper examines whether compulsive online behavior increases susceptibility to cybercrime participation and how psychological, social, and neurological factors shape deviant digital actions. Through case studies, surveys, psychological models, and criminological theories, the study proposes a Behavioral Cybercrime Propensity Model connecting addiction severity to illegal online activity. Recommendations focus on early intervention, digital wellness programs, and cyber-legal education.
Internet Addiction, Cybercrime, Online Deviance, Digital Psychology, Behavioral Criminology, Cyber Offending
Copyright (c) 2022 American Journal of Forensic Psychology
Personality Traits of Ethical vs Malicious Hackers
Hackers represent diverse motivations ranging from ethical security testing to cybercrime, espionage, and malicious exploitation. While hacking involves overlapping technical skill sets, underlying personality traits vary significantly between ethical (“white-hat”) and malicious (“black-hat”) hackers. This research compares psychological profiles, motivational drivers, and behavioral traits of both groups through personality models, cognitive styles, and moral frameworks. Using a hypothetical comparative dataset across the United States, India, and Denmark, findings suggest ethical hackers score higher in conscientiousness, moral reasoning, curiosity-driven intrinsic motivation, and prosocial identity, whereas malicious hackers exhibit higher narcissism, Machiavellianism, sensation-seeking, and antisocial tendencies. A dual-path hacker personality model is proposed to explain divergent behavioral outcomes despite similar talents.
Ethical Hacking, Cybercrime Psychology, Dark Triad Traits, Digital Forensics, Cyber Behavior, Personality Profiling
Post-terrorism reintegration encompasses the legal, psychological, and social processes through which individuals formerly associated with violent extremist groups re-enter civilian society following disengagement, demobilization, imprisonment, or rehabilitation. Reintegration efforts face numerous challenges, including trauma, stigma, legal restrictions, community distrust, identity reconstruction, and difficulties accessing employment, education, and social support systems. This paper synthesizes interdisciplinary research to examine reintegration as a developmental, psychosocial, and structural process rather than a purely punitive outcome. A new Reintegration Barriers and Support Systems Model (RBSSM) is proposed, mapping challenges across psychological, legal, economic, and relational domains. The paper concludes with policy recommendations focused on trauma-informed interventions, restorative justice, community engagement, and monitoring systems that balance public safety with human rights.
reintegration, disengagement, deradicalization, post-conflict rehabilitation, social reintegration, trauma recovery.
Extremist hate speech plays a central role in the radicalization process, shaping emotional responses, reducing empathy toward out-groups, and framing violence as morally justified. This paper examines the psychological mechanisms through which hate speech influences identity, trauma narratives, cognitive biases, and group cohesion. A conceptual model—the Affective-Cognitive Radicalization Cycle (ACRC)—is introduced to explain how exposure to hate speech triggers emotional arousal, cognitive distortion, and behavioral reinforcement. The article emphasizes ethical applications, including trauma-informed intervention, deradicalization programs, mental health support, and counter-narrative strategies grounded in human rights. The aim is prevention and rehabilitation, not amplification of extremist rhetoric.
Extremist Hate Speech Radicalization Psychology Cognitive Distortion and Ideology Affective-Cognitive Radicalization Cycle (ACRC) Deradicalization and Counter-Narratives
Virtual Reality for Counter-Radicalization Training
Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are increasingly explored as tools for counter-radicalization training, offering immersive, controlled environments for security professionals, social workers, educators, and community leaders. Unlike traditional classroom training, VR enables trainees to experience simulated high-risk conversations, exposure to extremist narratives, and early warning signs of radicalization without real-world danger. This paper examines the potential and limitations of VR-based counter-radicalization training, focusing on psychological mechanisms of learning, empathy-building, behavioral rehearsal, and ethical safeguards. Using a conceptual framework and a hypothetical multi-country dataset involving trainees from Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia, the study evaluates training effectiveness, perceived realism, and attitude change. Findings suggest that VR improves situational awareness, de-escalation skills, and detection of early behavioral indicators, but its impact depends greatly on scenario design, cultural sensitivity, and ethical oversight. A multi-layered VR design model is proposed for safe, rights-respecting implementation.
Virtual Reality, Counter-Radicalization, Immersive Training, Extremism Prevention, Simulation-Based Learning, Security Education
Deprogramming former extremists involves dismantling deeply embedded ideological beliefs, emotional attachments, identity constructs, and social ties that bind individuals to violent movements. Unlike traditional disengagement programs focused on removing operational involvement, deprogramming targets the psychological, cognitive, and social drivers of extremism, addressing trauma, indoctrination, coercion, group loyalty, and identity reconstruction. This paper synthesizes rehabilitation psychology, coercive persuasion theory, trauma therapy, and restorative justice models to develop an integrated approach to deradicalization. Case studies from Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Europe illustrate both successful interventions and ethical failures. The study proposes a structured Deprogramming Intervention Model (DIM) emphasizing trauma-informed therapy, identity reconstruction, community reintegration, and digital deradicalization.
Deradicalization, Deprogramming, Extremism, Identity Transformation, Counter-Terrorism Psychology, Post-Conflict Rehabilitation
Trauma Exposure Among Terror Cell Members
Terror cell members are frequently perceived as ideological actors motivated primarily by extremist beliefs; however, increasing research suggests that trauma exposure—such as war, displacement, discrimination, abuse, or personal loss—plays a significant role in shaping vulnerability to radical group involvement. This study analyzes how direct and indirect trauma experiences influence recruitment, social bonding, operational commitment, and psychological resilience within terror cells. Using a hypothetical dataset from Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East, findings indicate that pre-radicalization trauma is common, while trauma experienced during participation reinforces identity fusion, emotional desensitization, and group loyalty. A trauma-cycle model is proposed to explain how unresolved psychological distress contributes to continued militancy.
Trauma, Extremism, Terror Groups, Radicalization, Conflict Psychology, Identity Fusion
Gamified Extremist Recruitment on Social Platforms
Extremist actors have increasingly adopted gamified elements on online platforms—such as leaderboards, point systems, badges, multiplayer missions, role-playing narratives, and identity-based challenges—to attract, engage, and retain vulnerable individuals. These mechanisms do not inherently cause radicalization; rather, they exploit existing vulnerabilities including identity crises, marginalization, status-seeking behavior, and online social dependency. This paper synthesizes research from political psychology, digital sociology, UX design, and online extremism studies to analyze how gamification intersects with algorithmic exposure, social influence, and platform affordances. A new model, Gamified Radicalization Vulnerability Framework (GRVF), is introduced to map pathways from psychological distress to ideological immersion while emphasizing early intervention and protective design. Policy implications center on youth safety, platform regulation, ethical content moderation, and digital literacy programs.
gamification, online extremism, digital recruitment, radicalization prevention, youth online safety, platform governance.