Reflect on your own position in the ‘mad or bad?’ debate: Should someone who has mental health problems be held fully responsible and accountable for their offences, or not, and how should they be treated?
· Imagine that you are an inmate in a high-security prison. How would you feel about disclosing your violent thoughts and fantasies (towards yourself and inmates) to your therapist, knowing that they are obliged to pass on information related to security risks to the prison authorities?
· Consider the growing popularity of crime shows, webcasts and podcasts. Why do you think the public enjoys these so much? What might be the appeal to viewing and hearing such violent crimes? As a psychiatric nurse, what are your thoughts on your own personal interest in these types of media stories and the possible representation of individuals as “mad or bad” has on your future practice?