Tyson D. Bailey is a practicing clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in trauma treatment. Bailey is passionate about helping people who have experienced discrimination and works on increasing awareness of the impact of trauma on an individual's life.
Background
Tell us a bit about your background: What is your area of research? What is your most recent journal-editing experience?
I am a practicing clinical and forensic psychologist based in Everett, Washington. I have helped create a trauma-informed group practice that provides therapy and assessment services. My personal assessment experience has focused on criminal and civil forensic evaluation, as well as workplace and school-based assessments for both risk and threat of violence. My editorial experience began with my tenure as an associate editor for Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy; I continue to serve on its editorial board. I am also an editorial board member of Psychological Injury and Law and Practice Innovations.
Priorities
Briefly, what are your main priorities? For example, how will you grow readership, what type of scholarship would you like to see in the journal, and what kind of content are you hoping to attract?
My main priority is to create a series of special sections and special issues highlighting underdeveloped areas in the field of threat assessment and management. The first two of these will focus on operational issues and cultural competence within the threat assessment framework. I also hope to foster a mentorship program for those who are not well versed in writing academic articles; I particularly want to engage authors from diverse career backgrounds.
Journal importance
Why is this journal important for the field? What is its relevance to society/public health? What are the hot issues in your area right now?
Few journals primarily focus on the application of knowledge. The Journal of Threat Assessment and Management (JTAM) has a rich history of discussing the importance of applying knowledge within the field. As violence continues to be a problem throughout the world, it is critical that a journal like JTAM provides a space for individuals to discuss effective threat assessment and management strategies.
Challenges
What challenges, if any, lie ahead for the field?
Research suggests threat assessment is most effectively completed with a team, preferably consisting of multidisciplinary members. However, this configuration is not consistently possible, particularly in communities or organizations that have limited resources. Therefore, it can be a challenge to have the most relevant data available for individuals who are conducting threat assessment across settings. Further, concerns have been raised regarding how culturally informed the processes and instruments are that are commonly utilized. Although there have been significant advancements in the field, there remains a substantial amount of work to refine and challenge potential bias within the threat assessment field. As many of the case studies in JTAM have shown, even when someone displays classic warning signs of upcoming violence, there can be difficulties creating plans and effectively managing the possible threat. It is also important to consider ways to inform communities and systems (e.g., courts) about the limitations of threat assessment, as there continues to be mistaken ideas about the level of certainty that can come from an analysis of risk and protective factors associated with violence.
Plans
Do you have plans for a special issue or changes to the editorial process? Have you introduced or are you planning to introduce any changes?
We have instituted a classification system to more effectively match reviewers to articles in their specific areas of expertise. This will also help us identify gaps in JTAM’s reviewer pool so we may actively recruit new members to the editorial board. I would also like to work on a process for inviting collaborative articles between disciplines.
