Perceptions of remorse in forensic patients

While remorse in general offender populations has received some attention in the literature, there is a dearth of research on the perceived importance of remorse among mentally disordered offenders. This chapter draws on exploratory, qualitative research conducted with a cohort of forensic psychiatric patients found not guilty of a serious offence on the grounds of mental impairment in the State of Victoria, Australia. Central to the discussion is Forensic Patients’ subjective psychological experience of remorse and the importance they attach to its expression when there is no legal or clinical expectation for them to display it. The discussion also describes how Forensic Patients believe remorse should be addressed in the psychological treatment they receive and the perceived therapeutic benefits of doing so.