Introduction to forensic psychology

Question 1

Understanding definition

Answer 1

=/ forensic science
forensic psychologist = experts in human criminal behaviour, apply psycholgical assets to assist jurisdiction

Question 2

History

Answer 2

Middle age: religion –> good vs bad
–> end: use of insanity but still responsible
18th: insanity use but you weren’t responsible
19th: Lombrose: criminal atavism –> recognize criminals by abnormalities in appearance
1879: first labratory experiment for psychology (Wundt)
1908: use psychology in legal affairs (Munsterberg)
20th: more applied in court with guidelines, training, …

Question 3

Assesment

Answer 3

1. Assesment: therapeutic (focus on helping, by choice, reducing suffering) vs forensic (not by choice, focus on truth seeking, adressing problem, how does person functions?)
   –> methods: clinical interviews, psychological test (projective, objective, intelligence, neuropsychological, forensic assesment), collateral info (= police reports, info family and friends, other healthcare, …)

Question 4

Treatment

Answer 4

2. Treatment:
   –> victims: dont always ask for help –> you need forensic insight to help victims
   –> offenders: challenging –> lack of motivation, 3rd party (justice), secrecy?, emotional burden, hostility, …
   –> in prison: a lot of people have mental disorders –> prison has negative influence

–> 4 treatments:
1: Maintenance: focus on stabilization
2: Managment: reduce crisis (ex. self harming, …)
3: Outpatiënt programs: focus on coping, supervision!
4: Specialized programs: focus on specific issue –> drug use, alcohol problems, …

Question 5

3 main practices

Answer 5

3 main –> assesment, treatment, consultation

Question 6

Consultation

Answer 6

assisting attorneys in court or trial related issues –> evaluating product of opposing expert, educating on area

Question 7

Extra practices

Answer 7

Training, research, polyghraph, behavioural analysis, therapy, asses psychopathy, …