Exploring the Good Lives Model Concepts among an Ethnically Diverse Sample of Forensic Clients: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The increasing ethnic diversity in Europe’s forensic population challenges culturally sensitive rehabilitation. The Good Lives Model, a strengths-based rehabilitation framework promoting well-being and desistance, provides a universal structure but shows potential for cultural adaptation. This study explores the emic dimensions of the GLM’s core concepts and assumptions—primary goods, secondary goods, strengths, and obstacles—among ethnically diverse forensic clients, with particular attention to how they perceive and engage with the model. Semi-structured Good Lives interviews were conducted with 18 forensic clients from diasporic groups. Findings indicate that while primary goods hold universal relevance, cultural factors influence their prioritization attainment. The GLM enables recognition of systemic barriers alongside individual strengths. Participants perceived the Good Lives Interview as fostering comfort and rapport, enabling discussions on sensitive topics, including offending behavior.

Plain language summary

**How People from Different Ethnic Backgrounds in Forensic Care Understand and Use the Good Lives Model: A Qualitative Study**

Forensic mental health services in Europe are working with more people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This creates new challenges for supporting rehabilitation in a culturally sensitive way. The Good Lives Model (GLM) is a rehabilitation approach that focuses on people’s strengths and aims to help them build a better life and avoid reoffending. While the model is designed to apply to everyone, it may need to be adapted to fit different cultural perspectives. This study explored how 18 forensic clients from migrant and ethnic minority backgrounds understood and related to the main ideas of the GLM—such as what they find important in life, their personal strengths, and the barriers they face. It also looked at whether the model still feels motivating and relevant to them. The interviews showed that while the core life goals in the model are meaningful across cultures, people’s cultural backgrounds shape how they prioritise and try to reach those goals. The GLM helped clients talk about both their strengths and the wider social and institutional challenges they face. Participants generally found the interview approach supportive and respectful, which helped them feel comfortable talking about personal and sensitive experiences, including their offences.