Dynamic risk factors as boundary objects: a metatheoretical perspective

The aim of this paper is to provide a meta-theoretical framework for connecting the different uses of dynamic risk factors (DRF) in sexual offending research and practice contexts. We propose that several contrasting formulations of DRF can coexist if their diverse functions are identified, and they are linked conceptually in some way. First, we outline the major problems of employing DRF as currently understood in the variety of domains in which sexual offending researchers and clinicians use them. Second, two contemporary attempts to address these problems are briefly discussed, along with a consideration of the key issues with each of these. Third, we argue that conceptualising DRF as boundary objects provides a solution to the current problem of DRF being used for multiple purposes. Fourth, we evaluate our formulation of DRF as boundary objects and then, fifth, discuss some major research and clinical implications of our proposed approach to this problem.PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENTThe use of the concept of boundary objects as a way of conceptualising dynamic risk factors in the sexual offending domain can overcome their problems of incoherence, poor specificity, and their normatively laden nature and make them clinically easier to use. In addition, the DRF boundary object conception provides a unifying framework for sexual offending clinical practice by virtue of its focus on construct validity rather than on the task of test validation.