NSU brings forensic psychology expert to campus – Sept. 22

Dr. John Edens presents Myths, Misconceptions, and Unresolved Controversies about Psychopaths

(Tahlequah, Okla.)-- OnTuesday, Sept. 22, Northeastern State Universitys Criminal Justice department will host Dr. John Edens, from the department of Psychology at Texas A&M University, for a lecture titled Myths, Misconceptions, and Unresolved Controversies about Psychopaths.

The Criminal Justice department is excited to have Edens speak on what it considers to be a very important topic.

In our society, attempting to understand why individuals commit crimes is fascinating to most people, Dr. John Clark, chair of the department of Criminal Justice, Legal Studies and Homeland Security at NSU said.

Equally important is understanding how likely it is for a criminal to reoffend. This knowledge is important, giving researchers an attempt to understand why individuals commit crimes. We hope that this event educates and raises exposure for our department here at NSU.

Edens' experience comes from backgrounds in psychology and the legal system, also known as psychopathy, which is defined as forensic psychology. He brings a variety of knowledge and experience to share with those interested in an array of studies, including criminal justice, the legal system, psychology, sociology, law enforcement, probation, parole and corrections.

Throughout his career, he has been heavily involved in a wide variety of research, most of which utilizes psychological data, such as tests and evaluations, to answer mental questions in the gray areas between mental health and the legal system.

Some of his research includes violence risk assessments, adjudicative competence and personality assessments within correctional settings.

Dr. Edens is an international scholar who has examined criminals who are considered psychopathic while also conducting risk assessments, Clark said. We are lucky to have him.

The lecture will take place from 5 to6 p.m. on the Broken Arrow campus in the auditorium of the Administrative Services Building. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 918-444-3520.

Published: 2015-09-09 13:59:15.913000