Email: J.B.Hartley@sms.ed.ac.uk
Location:
3rd floor, Doorway 6, Old Medical School, Teviot PlaceHaving worked in the IT and Financial Services sectors for several years I was a latecomer to clinical psychology. I hold an MA in Economics from the University of Aberdeen; a BSc in Psychology from the Open University (First Class) and an MBA from the University of Edinburgh Management School. I became interested in cognitive neuropsychology when I worked at the State Hospital, Carstairs inventorying the cognitive performance of patients on a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. I expanded this interest to look at the application of technology within neuropschological therapy and have embarked on the PhD to evaluate computer based training of cognition, simply put -“brain training”.
An examination of the efficacy of computer based cognitive rehabilitation of highly mentally disordered offenders.
Studies have shown that computer-assisted cognitive retraining (CACR) can be an effective adjunct to a comprehensive program of therapist led cognitive rehabilitation. The cognitive deficits experienced by individuals following brain injury are similar to those experienced in schizophrenia: diminished verbal working memory, executive function and attention. Following the theory of neuroplasticity, it is proposed that solutions developed for acquired brain injury may have relevance in cognitive rehabilitation from schizophrenia.
Cognitive deficits at present decrease patients’ abilities to engage in and benefit from therapeutic interventions; hinder efforts at risk reduction; reduce patients’ quality of life and their ability to succeed in lower levels of security and risk of offending.
Working within the Scottish Forensic Network with patients in elevated security I will evaluate pre and post cognitive ability, self esteem and psychosocial functioning following computer based training of attention, memory and problem solving.
Supervisor
Dr Suzanne O’Rourke
Prof. Jon Evans