Personality assessment inventory (PAI) in forensic and correctional settings: A comprehensive review.

As Forensic Psychology continues to expand as an independent field, professionals regularly resort to psychological assessment tools to assess people involved within the justice system. The Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) is a 344-item, self-report inventory that aims to provide meaningful information for diagnosis and clinical decision-making, specifically relating to psychopathology, personality, and psychosocial environment. Its applicability in forensic settings has been increasingly recognized on account of its benefits in comparison to other self-report inventories (e.g., MMPI-2, MCMI-III), since it includes scales that are relevant to forensic settings (e.g., violence risk levels, psychopathy, substance abuse), and the existence of profile distortion indicators is useful when dealing with highly defensive and/or malingering populations. The goal of this paper is to conduct a thorough review of the PAI's utility in forensic settings, by focusing on the relevant forensic constructs assessed by the PAI (e.g., personality disorders, psychosis, substance abuse, aggression, recidivism risk, and response distortion), as well as its application to offender and inmate populations, intimate partner violence contexts, family law cases, and forensic professionals. Overall, the PAI continues to gather international recognition and its relevance and usefulness in forensic settings is generally accepted and acknowledged.

Racial justice in psycholegal research and forensic psychology practice: Current advances and a framework for future progress.

Police killings of Black civilians have brought unprecedented attention to racial and ethnic discrimination in the criminal justice and legal systems. However, these topics have been underexamined in the field of law-psychology, both in research and forensic-clinical practice. We discuss how a racial justice framework can provide guidance for advancing psycholegal research and forensic-clinical practice related to race, ethnicity, culture, and their intersections. A racial justice framework centers the goal of increasing fair and responsive treatment and just outcomes for the most vulnerable populations involved with the criminal justice, legal, and carceral systems and ending existing disparities. We argue that the framework should include the use of transparent nonobjectivity, in which racial justice is an explicit and acknowledged goal of research and practice that exists alongside a commitment to open and rigorous science and evidence-based practice. We then use the racial justice framework as a backdrop for discussing the articles and broader themes that appear in the special issue, which include racial biases in policing, public views of the police and use of force, expanding research on racial bias in lay judgments, understanding disparities in sentencing and corrections, and improving forensic practice. Finally, we look to the future, discussing practices and perspectives that can facilitate a racial justice approach in psycholegal research and forensic-clinical practice. Our recommendations include engaging in reflexivity and addressing positionality; expanding research questions and methods, especially qualitative and community-based participatory action research; centering and engaging with communities of color; greater emphasis on intersectionality; shifting toward structural and adaptive interventions; and greater integration of work from other fields. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Identidade profissional do psicólogo judiciário: um estudo sobre configurações identitárias / Forensic psychologist´s professional identity: a study about identity configurations / Identidad profesional del psicólogo forense: un estudio sobre configuraciones de identidad

Este estudo objetivou descrever a identidade profissional de psicólogos judiciários, partindo do cenário contemporâneo da Psicologia Jurídica brasileira, contexto que envolve crises e conflitos sobre a forma de responder a atribuições e demandas do campo legal. Pela perspectiva da sociologia das identidades profissionais de Claude Dubar, sustenta-se a hipótese de que a identidade profissional do psicólogo judiciário depende de estratégias de compatibilização entre o pertencimento à categoria e as atribuições legais e institucionais. Participaram 95 psicólogos do quadro ativo do Tribunal de Justiça de São Paulo, que responderam a um formulário online sobre a percepção de si e do campo de atuação. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Os resultados indicam a saliência da avaliação psicológica e da interdisciplinaridade na identidade profissional, e as rupturas identitárias diante de práticas verificatórias. Tais achados apontam a necessidade de participação da categoria na construção de suas atribuições; e dificuldades para o exercício das funções por limitações à autonomia profissional.(AU)

This study aimed to describe the professional identity of forensic psychologists, considering Brazil's Legal Psychology contemporary scenario which relates to a critical issues on how practitioners respond the demands of the legal system. Based on Claude Dubar's sociology of professional identities, we support the hypothesis that forensic psychologists' professional identity depends on strategies of compatibilization between belonging their reference group and the institutional attributions. There were 95 participants, all from the current staff of the Court of Justice of the state of São Paulo, who answered an online form. The data were subjected to content analysis. The results indicate a professional identity with noted salience on psychological assessment and interdisciplinarity, and the identity crises regarding verification practices. Such findings highlight the importance of practitioners taking part on the construction of their own tasks.(AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la identidad profesional de los psicólogos forenses, considerando el escenario de la Psicología Jurídica brasileña, que se relaciona con una crisis sobre si estos profesionales responden a las demandas del sistema legal. Teniendo en cuenta la sociología de las identidades profesionales de Claude Dubar, sostenemos la hipótesis de que la identidad profesional de los psicólogos forenses depende de estrategias de compatibilización entre la pertenencia a su grupo profesional y a instituciones. Participaron 95 psicólogos, quienes actuaban en el Tribunal de Justicia del Estado de São Paulo, a los cuales se aplicó un formulario en línea. Los datos se sometieron a análisis de contenido. Los resultados indican una identidad profesional saliente en cuanto a la evaluación psicológica y la interdisciplinariedad, pero también crisis de identidad en relación con las prácticas de verificación. Tales resultados señalan la importancia de que la categoría participe en la construcción de sus propias atribuciones.(AU)

Entrega em adoção e demanda de reencontro à justiça: motivações da genitora / Voluntary relinquishment and request to justice for reunion: birth mother's motivations / Entrega en adopción y solicitud de reencuentro a la justicia: motivaciones de la madre biológica

Mudanças legislativas em relação à adoção vêm trazendo importantes repercussões para a compreensão do instituto. Neste artigo, temos como objetivo discutir especificidades da entrega voluntária de uma criança para adoção, no contexto da Justiça, e as motivações de demanda posterior da genitora para a viabilização de um reencontro. Problematizamos a amplitude do direito de acesso às origens, assegurado em lei aos adotados, a partir do entrelaçamento das temáticas entrega e reencontro, procurando compreender essas experiências pela perspectiva da genitora. Este trabalho parte de um caso paradigmático, atendido em uma Vara da Infância, Juventude e Idoso no estado do Rio de Janeiro, que culminou com o contato, mediado pelo Poder Judiciário, entre a adotada e sua genitora, por iniciativa desta. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, no qual foi realizada uma entrevista semiestruturada com a genitora, quatro anos após o acolhimento de seu pedido à Justiça. Os dados obtidos na entrevista foram analisados por meio do método de análise de conteúdo, em sua vertente categorial, resultando em duas categorias: entrega em adoção e segredos; reencontro: motivações e trajetórias. Constatamos a ausência de publicações brasileiras sobre a temática do reencontro, apontando que o assunto ainda é um tabu. Identificamos que, após o reencontro com a filha, foi possível à genitora uma transformação de si mesma, favorecendo o rompimento do segredo da entrega e de parte de sua história. Assinalamos a necessidade de mais pesquisas, incluindo-se a possibilidade da inserção do Judiciário na mediação dessas demandas.(AU)

Legislative changes related to adoption have brought important repercussions for understanding its regulations. In this article, we aim to discuss the peculiarities of a voluntary relinquishment of a child for adoption, in the context of justice, and the motivations of subsequent demand from the birth mother to set a reunion. We problematize the dimension of the right to access origins, guaranteed by law to adoptees, based on the intertwining of the themes voluntary relinquishment and reunion, seeking to understand these experiences from the perspective of the biological mother. This work is based on a paradigmatic case, attended at a Juvenile Court in the State of Rio de Janeiro, that culminated on the reunion of the adopted and her birth mother, at the initiative of the latter, mediated by the Judiciary. This is a qualitative study, in which we interviewed the biological mother, four years after her legal requirement. The data obtained in the interview were analyzed using the content analysis method, in its categorical aspect, resulting in two categories: voluntary relinquishment in adoption and secrets; reunion: motivations and trajectories. We concluded the absence of Brazilian studies about the theme of reunion, pointing out that the subject still as a taboo. We identified that, after the reunion with the daughter, it was possible for the biological mother to modify herself, favoring the breaking of the secret about the relinquishment and of part of her story. We point out the need of more research, including the possibility of inserting the Judiciary as a mediator for such demands.(AU)

Los cambios legislativos respecto a la adopción han tenido importantes repercusiones en la comprensión de la materia. Este artículo pretende discutir los detalles de la entrega espontánea de un niño para adopción, en el contexto de la Justicia, y las motivaciones de la posterior demanda de la madre biológica para hacer factible un reencuentro. Se problematiza la amplitud del derecho de acceso a los orígenes, garantizado por la ley a los adoptados, a partir del entrelazamiento de los temas entrega y reencuentro, analizando estas experiencias desde la perspectiva de la madre biológica. Este trabajo parte de un caso paradigmático que se llevó a cabo en un Juzgado de la Infancia, Juventud y Persona Mayor del Estado de Río de Janeiro y que culminó en el contacto entre la adoptada y su madre, por iniciativa de esta última, mediado por el Poder Judicial. Este estudio cualitativo realizó una entrevista semiestructurada con la madre biológica cuatro años después de su solicitud a la Justicia. A los datos obtenidos en la entrevista se aplicaron el método de análisis de contenido en su vertiente categórica, en el cual surgieron dos categorías: entrega en adopción y secretos; reencuentro: motivaciones y trayectorias. Se encontró que la falta de estudios brasileños sobre reencuentro apunta a que el concepto del sujeto todavía es un tabú. Se constató que luego del encuentro la madre biológica pasó por una autotransformación, lo que favoreció la ruptura del secreto sobre la entrega y parte de su historia. Es necesario realizar más investigaciones sobre el tema, incluida la posibilidad de insertar al Poder Judicial como mediador de tales demandas.(AU)

Constelações Familiares no judiciário: um tema para a Psicologia? / Family constellations in the judiciary: a topic for Psychology? / Constelaciones familiares en el poder judicial: ¿un tema para la psicología?

Espalham-se pelos tribunais brasileiros projetos e práticas de constelação familiar como método para a resolução de conflitos. Esse artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre como a Constelação Familiar articula-se ou não com o exercício da profissão da Psicologia, assim como problematizar de que maneira o Judiciário vem apoiando a ampliação dessa prática. Para tanto, analisamos as publicações sobre Constelações Familiares no site do Conselho Nacional de Justiça, no que se refere aos seguintes aspectos envolvidos na implantação dessas práticas nos tribunais: campos de aplicação; procedimentos utilizados; constelação como competência profissional e condições de participação e de avaliação. Discutiu-se de forma crítica sobre a emergência de políticas futuras do CNJ e sua validade utilizando, para tal, conceitos e reflexões da Psicologia Social Jurídica; assim como levantaram-se questionamentos a respeito das consequências dessas práticas. Por fim, destaca-se a importância da construção de um posicionamento do Conselho Federal de Psicologia.

Projects and practices of family constellation as a method for resolving conflicts spread through Brazilian courts. This article aims to reflect on how the Family Constellation is articulated or not with the exercise of the profession of Psychology, as well as to discuss how the Judiciary has been supporting the expansion of this practice. For this, we analyzed the publications on Family Constellations on the National Council of Justice website, regarding the following aspects involved in the implementation of these practices in the courts: fields of application; procedures used; the family constellation as a professional competence and conditions of participation and evaluation. The emergence of future CNJ policies and their validity was critically discussed using concepts and reflections from Social and Legal Psychology; as well as questions about the consequences of these practices were raised. Finally, we highlight the importance of building a position for the Federal Council of Psychology.

En los tribunales brasileños se propagan proyectos y prácticas de constelación familiar como método de resolución de conflictos. Este artículo tiene como objetivo reflexionar sobre cómo la Constelación Familiar se articula o no con el ejercicio de la profesión de la Psicología, así como discutir cómo el Poder Judicial viene apoyando la expansión de esta práctica. Para ello, analizamos las publicaciones sobre Constelaciones Familiares en el sitio web del Consejo Nacional de Justicia sobre los siguientes aspectos involucrados en la implementación de estas prácticas en los tribunales: campos de aplicación; procedimientos utilizados; competencia de la constelación familiar y condiciones de participación y evaluación. El surgimiento de las futuras políticas del CNJ y su vigencia fue discutido críticamente utilizando conceptos y reflexiones de la Psicología Social Jurídica; así como también se plantearon interrogantes sobre las consecuencias de estas prácticas. Finalmente, se destaca la importancia de construir un posicionamiento del Colegio de Psicólogos.

Protocols for Psychological Assessment of Recidivism and Dangerousness: a systematic review of the Brazilian scientific production / Protocolos de Avaliação Psicológica de Reincidência e Periculosidade: uma revisão sistemática da produção científica brasileira

The psychological assessment of recidivism and dangerousness aims to provide subsidies to legal operators on the possibility of an individual to repeat criminal offenses. In the present study, a systematic review of Portuguese-language articles was carried out in the "SciELO", "Lilacs" and "Periódicos Capes" databases to identify available instruments to carry out this assessment in Brazilian populations and their predictive capacity. It was found that the Brazilian scientific production is too scarce, only nine empirical studies have been published on the subject and only one instrument with this objective is suitable for use in forensic practice. Six other instruments have been studied, but none are suitable for practical implementation. These results point to the need for scientific production on psychological assessment of recidivism and dangerousness to provide psychologists with the necessary instruments for their performance in Legal Psychology.

A avaliação psicológica de reincidência e periculosidade tem por objetivo fornecer subsídios aos operadores do Direito sobre a possibilidade de um indivíduo reincidir. No presente trabalho foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de artigos em português nas bases de dados "SciELO", "Lilacs" e "Periódicos Capes" para identificar instrumentos disponíveis para realizar esta avaliação em populações brasileiras e qual a sua capacidade preditiva. Descobriu-se que a produção científica brasileira é demasiado escassa, apenas nove trabalhos empíricos foram publicados no tema e somente um instrumento com este objetivo está apto para uso na prática profissional. Seis outros instrumentos foram estudados, mas nenhum está apto para utilização na prática. Estes resultados apontam a necessidade de produção científica sobre avaliação psicológica de reincidência e periculosidade para munir psicólogos com os instrumentos necessários para sua atuação nesta área da Psicologia Jurídica.

Profiles of juveniles with sex offense charges referred for competence evaluations.

Juveniles referred for adjudicative competence evaluations make up a subset of youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Among those referred for adjudicative competence evaluations, a significant number involve youth with current or past charges for sexual offenses. This study examines the profiles of youth with sexual offense charges who have been referred for competence evaluations at a state psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents. Differences between the characteristics of youth with and without sexual offenses were explored, and predictors of competence opinions were examined among the subset of youth with current or prior sexual charges (juveniles with sexual offenses, or JSOs). Findings indicated that youth with sexual offenses have several demographic, cognitive, clinical, and legal differences from youth without sexual offenses. Although youth with sexual offenses were less likely to be opined competent, presence of a sexual offense was not a predictor of competence opinions after controlling for other factors. Predictors of competence among JSOs were found to be similar to those among youth referred for competence evaluations in general. Primary diagnosis of an autism-related disorder was a unique predictor of being opined not competent among the JSO subgroup, but not the overall sample. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.

AVALIAÇÃO DO DANO PSÍQUICO ASSOCIADO AO DEPOIMENTO ESPECIAL / PSYCHOLOGICAL DAMAGE ASSOCIATED WITH SPECIAL INQUIRY ASSESSMENT / EVALUACIÓN DEL DAÑO PSÍQUICO RELACIONADO CON EL TESTIMONIO ESPECIAL

O Depoimento Especial de crianças e adolescentes vítimas de violência sexual vem sendo realizado por psicólogos judiciários. O objetivo deste artigo é discutir um modelo de avaliação psicológica prévia ao depoimento, voltada à ocorrência de danos psíquicos ou revitimização a ele associados. Para tanto, apresenta-se síntese reflexiva da experiência profissional dos autores em processos criminais envolvendo violência contra crianças e adolescentes, debatida à luz da literatura especializada nas áreas da Avaliação Psicológica e Psicologia Forense. Na dimensão intrapsíquica do dano, sugere-se a avaliação de fantasias, ansiedades e mecanismos de defesa da criança associados ao depor. Na dimensão intersubjetiva, aprecia-se seu nível de desenvolvimento cognitivo, raciocínio moral e vinculação ao entrevistador. Observou-se a aplicabilidade das técnicas projetivas temáticas ­ CAT-A, TAT e Procedimento de Desenhos-Estórias ­ para avaliar tais constructos, utilizando-se vinhetas clínico-forenses para ilustrar o raciocínio avaliativo. Conclui-se qu

The Special Inquiry of child and adolescent sexually assaulted has been discharged by forensic psychologists. This article aims to discuss a model of psychological assessment prior to the inquiry, targeted to the occurrence of psychological damage or revictimization associated with it. For this, a reflexive synthesis of the authors' professional experience in criminal proceedings involving violence against children is presented, discussed within the specialized literature in Psychological Assessment and Forensic Psychology In the damage's intrapsychic dimension, it is suggested to assess child's fantasies, anxieties and defense mechanisms regarding testifying. In the intersubjective dimension, their level of cognitive development, moral reasoning and attachment to the interviewer is evaluated. The applicability of thematic projective techniques ­ CAT-A, TAT and Drawing-Stories Procedure - was observed to approach such constructs, using clinical-forensic vignettes to illustrate the evaluative reasoning. It is concluded that protecting the child from the criminal suit is protecting the criminal suit itself.

El Testimonio Especial de niños y adolescentes víctimas de violencia sexual ha sido realizado por psicólogos judiciales. El objetivo de este artículo es discutir un modelo de evaluación psicológica previa a la inquisición, dirigido a la ocurrencia de daños psicológicos o revictimización correlativos. Para eso, se presenta una síntesis reflexiva de la experiencia profesional de los autores en procesos penales de violencia infanto-juvenil, debatida con la literatura especializada en las áreas de Evaluación Psicológica y Psicología Forense. En la dimensión intrapsíquica del daño, evaluanse fantasías, ansiedades y mecanismos de defensa del niño. En la dimensión intersubjetiva, apreciase su nivel de desarrollo cognitivo, razonamiento moral y vinculación al entrevistador. Se observó la aplicabilidad de las técnicas proyectivas temáticas ­ CAT-A, TAT y Procedimiento de Dibujo-Cuentos ­ en la evaluación, usándose viñetas clínico-forenses para ilustrar el razonamiento evaluativo. Se concluye que proteger al niño del proceso penal es proteger el proprio proceso penal.

Batería de evaluación de cognición social en psicología forense: adaptación y validación / Bateria de avaliação para cognição social em psicologia forense: adaptação e validação / Assessment battery for social cognition in forensic psychology: adaptation and validation

El objetivo del estudio fue adaptar y validar una batería de instrumentos para evaluar subdominios de la cognición social con población forense en Colombia y México a partir de una selección de instrumentos utilizados en neuropsicología clínica. Se revisó la pertinencia de los subdominios que componen la cognición social como evidencia de validez de contenido mediante la evaluación de diferentes expertos en psicología forense, neuropsicología y medición y evaluación; utilizando el método ANGOFF modificado y un análisis de confiabilidad según el modelo Rasch y el coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach. Posteriormente fue sometido a pilotaje con 20 personas condenadas en cárceles colombianas y mexicanas con privación de libertad. Se encontraron calibraciones INFIT 1.17 y 1.04, OUTFIT 1.08 y 1.18, con índices de separación de 2.66 y 1.63, y fiabilidad de .88 en colombianos y .73 en mexicanos; estos datos proporcionaron evidencias de validez de la batería adaptada. (AU)

O objetivo do estudo foi adaptar e validar uma bateria para avaliar subdomínios da cognição social com população forense na Colômbia e no México a partir de uma seleção de instrumentos usados ​​em neuropsicologia clínica. Revisou-se a relevância dos subdomínios que compõem a cognição social como evidência de validade de conteúdo por meio da avaliação de diferentes psicólogos especialistas em psicologia forense, neuropsicologia e medição e avaliação, usando o método ANGOFF modificado e uma análise de confiabilidade de acordo com o modelo de Rasch e coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. Posteriormente, ele foi submetido a pilotar com 20 pessoas privadas de liberdade sentenciadas em prisões colombianas e mexicanas. Calibrações INFIT 1,17 e 1,04, OUTFIT 1,08 e 1,18 foram encontradas, com taxas de separação de 2,66 e 1,63, uma confiabilidade de 0,88 em colombianos e 0,73 em mexicanos; esses dados forneceram evidências da validade da bateria adaptada. (AU)

The aim of the study was to adapt and validate a battery for the evaluation of subdomains of social cognition with the forensic population in Colombia and Mexico from a selection of instruments used in clinical neuropsychology. We reviewed the relevance of the subdomains that compose social cognition as evidence of content validity through the assessment of different psychologists, experts in forensic psychology, neuropsychology and measurement and evaluation, using the modified ANGOFF method and a reliability analysis according to the Rasch model and Cronbach's Alpha coefficient. Subsequently, a pilot study was performed with 20 people deprived of liberty in Colombian and Mexican prisons. INFIT calibrations of 1.17 and 1.04, and OUTFIT calibrations of 1.08 and 1.18, with separation rates of 2.66 and 1.63, and reliability of .88 and .73 were found in Colombians and Mexicans respectively; these data provide evidence of the validity of the adapted battery. (AU)

A multidisciplinary approach to insanity assessment as a way to reduce cognitive biases.

Insanity assessment requires the evaluation of the psychopathological condition that underlies the mens rea. Psychopathological evaluation may be quite challenging due to (i) absence of biomarkers; (ii) low inter-rater reliability; (iii) presence of cognitive bias. This intrinsic low reliability of forensic psychiatric diagnosis does impact on insanity assessment, leading to arbitrary and unjust legal outcomes for the examinee. Thus, strategies to improve the reliability of insanity evaluation are strongly needed. A multidisciplinary approach has been proposed as a way to enrich clinical diagnosis with reliable and biologically founded data, thus minimizing subjectivity, reducing controversies and increasing inter-subject concordance in insanity assessment. By discussing a real case, here we show how the convergence of multiple indices can produce evidence that cannot be denied without introducing logical fallacies. Applying this approach, the forensic discussion will move from the presence/absence of psychopathology to the impact of psychopathology on insanity. This article illustrates how a multidisciplinary evaluation, which integrates neuroscientific methods with the classical insanity assessment, may lead to a more accurate approach in insanity evaluation. Critically, this approach will minimize the impact of cognitive bias on insanity opinion and thus result in an improvement of the whole criminal justice process.

Forensic assessment may be based on common sense assumptions rather than science.

Forensic assessments must be scientifically founded, because courts should obtain expert evidence with acceptable evidential value. In Slovenia, professional guidelines of forensic personality assessment are too general and not always in line with international professional recommendations. Thus, experts have no strict guidelines which would lead them to scientifically grounded expert opinions. The aim of the research was to establish which tests are employed in forensic assessment in Slovenia and to what extent the professional guidelines for expert opinions are followed. A total of 166 forensic personality assessments were reviewed, representing the majority of expert opinions issued in the period 2003-2018. The results of the analysis revealed that questionable projective tests are most commonly used. Typically, an expert opinion was rendered based on two tests, at least one of which was projective. What is more, expert opinions did not include hypotheses, in-text citations, reference lists, or proof of the expert witness's competence. The tests and their results were mentioned briefly and inadequately, without mention of their reliability and validity. Possible malingering of the person being evaluated was not detected. Professional guidelines were not followed and non-standardized tests without normative values and of questionable scientific merit were predominantly used, despite lack of proof that they truly measure what they claim to be measuring. These findings significantly differ from the results of similar research, raising serious concerns over the credibility of expert opinions in Slovenia.

Processos de avaliação psicológica forense em situação de disputa de guarda na região sul brasileira / Forensic psychological assessment processes in situation of custody dispute in the southern brazilian region / Procesos de evaluación psicológica forense en situaciones de disputa por custodia en el sur de Brasil

Atualmente ainda existe uma carência no que se refere à padronização das práticas que permeiam a avaliação psicológica forense, em específico no contexto de disputa de guarda no Brasil. Nesse sentido, este estudo buscou investigar, por meio de um questionário on-line, como são realizados os processos de avaliação psicológica envolvendo disputa de guarda na Região Sul do Brasil. Participaram do estudo 28 psicólogos, com média de idade de 36,5 (DP= 8,64). Foram realizadas análises descritivas das respostas dos sujeitos bem como comparações entre os Estados. Os resultados destacam que o HTP, IEP, CAT-A e SARP são os instrumentos mais utilizados. Em relação aos procedimentos, destaca-se o uso das entrevistas. O estudo apresentou uma análise geral sobre as avaliações psicológicas em situação de disputa de guarda na Região Sul do Brasil, oferecendo dados significativos aos profissionais que atuam na área forense.

Nowadays there is still a lack of standardization when it comes to practices that permeate forensic psychological assessment, specifically in the context of custody disputes in Brazil. Therefore, this study sought to investigate, through an on-line questionnaire, how psychological assessment processes involving custody disputes are carried out in the southern region of Brazil. The study included 28 psychologists, with an average age of 36.5 (SD= 8,64). Descriptive analyzes of the respondents’ answers were conducted, as well as comparisons between states. Results point out that HTP, IEP CAT-A, and SARP are the most frequently used instruments. Concerning the procedures, the use of interviews stands out. The study presented an overview of the psychological evaluations in a custody dispute in the Southern Region of Brazil, providing significant data for the professionals who work in the forensic psychology field.

Actualmente, todavía hay una carencia en la estandarización de las prácticas que permean la evaluación psicológica forense, en particular en el contexto de la disputa de custodia de menores en Brasil. Por lo tanto, este estudio investigó, mediante un cuestionario en línea, cómo el proceso de evaluación psicológica que involucra disputas de custodia de menores se realiza en el sur de Brasil. El estudio incluyó 28 psicólogos, con una edad promedio de 36,5 (SD = 8,64). Se realizaron análisis descriptivos de las respuestas de los sujetos, así como comparaciones entre los estados brasileños. Los resultados indican que las técnicas HTP, IEP, CAT-A y SARP son las más utilizadas. Con relación a los procedimientos, se destaca el uso de entrevistas. El estudio mostró un análisis general de las evaluaciones psicológicas en la disputa de custodia en la Región Sur de Brasil, lo que proporciona directrices importantes para los psicólogos que trabajan en el campo de la Psicología Forense.

Dentro e fora: tecendo reflexões sobre um hospital de custódia / Inside and out: casting reflections upon a custody hospital / Dentro y fuera: tejiendo reflexiones en un hospital de custodia

Neste trabalho, buscamos refletir se em um Hospital de Custódia e Tratamento Psiquiátrico (HCTP), atualmente, existem ou não ações consoantes ao processo da Reforma Psiquiátrica brasileira. Para ilustrar essa questão, é apresentado um caso clínico sobre um paciente acompanhado durante estágio em um HCTP. Consideramos que os princípios e objetivos do movimento de Reforma Psiquiátrica, em geral, não são referências aos modelos de funcionamento dos HCTP, mas ressaltamos a existência de ações psicossociais sendo feitas nesse tipo de instituição.

In this work we seek to reflect on whether, in a Custody and Psychiatric Treatment Hospital (CPTH), there currently are actions in accordance with the process of Brazilian Psychiatric Reform or not. To illustrate this issue, a clinical case is presented about a patient accompanied during internship at this institution. We consider that the principles and objectives of the psychiatric reform movement, in general, are not references to the functioning models of the CPTH, but we emphasize the existence of psychosocial actions being practiced within this institution.

En este artículo buscamos indentificar la existencia o no de acciones basadas en la reforma psiquiátrica brasileña en un Hospital de Custodia y Tratamiento Psiquiátrico (HCTP). Para ilustrar esa cuestión, se presenta un caso clínico sobre un paciente acompañado durante las prácticas en un HCTP. Consideramos que los principios y objetivos del movimiento de Reforma Psiquiátrica, en general, no actúan como referencia a los modelos de funcionamiento de los HCTP. Sin embargo, resaltamos La existencia de acciones psicosociales realizadas dentro de esa institución.

Significados atribuídos por profissionais da Psicologia à prática da mediação familiar / Meanings attributed by Psychology professionals to the practice of family mediation / Significados atribuidos por profesionales de la Psicología a la práctica de la mediación familiar

Entende-se por significado do trabalho as representações que uma pessoa elabora sobre suas atividades de modo individual, grupal e social. Este artigo, de caráter qualitativo, objetivou identificar os significados atribuídos por profissionais da Psicologia à prática da mediação familiar no contexto judicial do Estado de Santa Catarina. O serviço de mediação familiar ocorre em 73 locais dos 113 Fóruns de Justiça existentes no Estado, sendo que 22 profissionais ocupam o cargo de psicólogo(a) e, destes, 4 (quatro), os quais foram participantes desta pesquisa, estão no Serviço de Mediação Familiar. Aplicou-se um questionário com perguntas fechadas e abertas, cujos dados foram interpretados por meio da análise de conteúdo. Foram identificadas cinco categorias para o significado do trabalho de mediação familiar, sendo elas: 1) a mediação familiar como complexa e difícil; 2) a mediação familiar como uma oportunidade de adquirir novos conhecimentos; 3) a mediação familiar como uma atuação importante ao desenvolvimento da Psicologia; 4) a mediação familiar como central à cultura do trabalho ampliado na Psicologia; e, 5) a mediação familiar como desafiadora e ampla. Discutiu-se acerca do reduzido quadro de profissionais da Psicologia nesta atuação no Estado, o qual consiste-se em um desafio à ampliação desta inserção. E, por fim, a relevância da interdisciplinaridade e as potencialidades da atuação da Psicologia.

The meaning of work is understood as the representations that a person elabo-rates about his activities in an individual, group and social way. This qualitative article aimed to identify the meanings attributed by Psychology professionals to the practice of family mediation in the judicial context of the State of Santa Catarina. The family mediation service takes place in 73 places of the 113 Justice Forums existing in the State, with 22 professionals occupying the position of psychologist (a) and, of these, 4 (four) who participated in this research are in the Family Mediation Service. A questionnaire was applied with closed and open questions and data were interpreted through content analysis. Five categories were identified for the meaning of family mediation work: (1) family mediation as complex and difficult; 2) family mediation as an opportunity to acquire new knowledge; 3) family mediation as an important action in the development of Psychology; 4) family mediation as central to the expanded work culture in Psychology; and, 5) family mediation as challenging and broad. It was discussed, The lack of Psychology professionals at work in the state and how challenging expansion is. Finally, the relevance of interdisciplinarity and the amount of work potential at stake for a Psychology professional.

Se entiende por significado del trabajo las representaciones que una persona elabora sobre sus actividades de modo individual, grupal y social. Este artículo de carácter cualitativo objetivó identificar los significados atribuidos por profe-sionales de la Psicología a la práctica de la mediación familiar en el contexto judicial del Estado de Santa Catarina. El servicio de mediación familiar ocurre en 73 locales de los 113 Foros de Justicia existentes en el Estado, siendo que 22 profesionales ocupan el cargo de psicólogo (a) y de éstos, 4 (cuatro), los cuales participaron de esta investigación, están en el Servicio de Mediación Familiar. Se aplicó un cuestionario con preguntas cerradas y abiertas, cuyos datos fueron interpretados por medio del análisis de contenido. Se identificaron cinco categorías para el significado del trabajo de mediación familiar, siendo ellas: 1) la mediación familiar como compleja y difícil; 2) la mediación familiar como una oportunidad de adquirir nuevos conocimientos; 3) la mediación familiar como una actuación importante para el desarrollo de la Psicología; 4) la mediación familiar como central a la cultura del trabajo ampliado en la Psicología; y 5) la mediación familiar como desafiadora y amplia. Se discutió, sobre el reducido cuadro de profesionales de la Psicología que actúan en este campo, en el Estado, siendo así un desafío la ampliación de esta inserción. Y, por fin, la relevancia de la interdisciplinaridad y las potencialidades de la actuación de la Psicología.

[Gambling disorder and imputability: from the nosographic revision to an expanded forensic assessment]. / Disturbo da gioco d'azzardo e imputabilità: dalla revisione nosografica a un assessment forense ampliato.

The gambling disorder (GD in the DSM-5) is an example of how the evolution of research has contributed to the nosographic review of complex psychopathological conditions, such as behavioral addictions, likewise other personality pathologies. Recently, the scientific and doctrinal debate has also affected the controversial issue of imputability, to assess in what terms this diagnostic picture can acquire the value of "infirmity" such as to undermine the ability to understand and the will of a subject under evaluation. However, it is always necessary to translate the clinical, and experimental, acquisitions in the exercise of the appraisal function and of technical consultancy. The proceedings is not the place for the experiments, and the only effective tool available for experts to manage the passage of new scientific acquisitions from the clinical/experimental to the forensic field is an accurate assessment, basing on the methodological criteria, for each individual case under consideration. Here we propose a path aimed at adapting the forensic assessment with respect to the clinical profile of pathological gambling, a valid example of the evolution of the mutual relationship between psychiatric/psychological sciences and jurisprudence, in terms of imputability.

Creating a State-Academic Partnership to Advance a Forensic Teaching Service: Benefits and Barriers.

In Washington State, like many states, there is a shortage of forensically trained mental health clinicians to work with criminal justice-involved individuals. At the direction of the state legislature, a collaborative project was undertaken by the University of Washington, the state Department of Social and Health Services, and a state psychiatric hospital to develop a proposal for a jointly sponsored forensic teaching service. The authors reviewed the literature, surveyed and interviewed forensic psychiatry and psychology training directors, and conducted site visits of selected training programs that offer multidisciplinary training or have affiliations with state hospitals. The authors conducted focus groups of additional stakeholders, including clinicians and patients in forensic settings, to better understand the needs in Washington. The authors report on several common benefits and barriers to establishing forensic teaching services. Other states and forensic programs may find this article useful in identifying common considerations for forensic mental health teaching services.

Four utilities in eyewitness identification practice: Dissociations between receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and expected utility analysis.

The present article focuses on a utility-based understanding of criminal justice practice regarding eyewitness identifications. We argue that there are 4 distinct types of utility that should be considered when evaluating an identification procedure. These include the utility associated with all identifications, the utility associated with only the high confidence identifications, the average utility across the full range of identifications, and the maximum utility that can be attained by selecting an ideal criterion. We show that in almost all cases in which the difference between 2 procedures is defined by a tradeoff between increased guilty suspect IDs and increased innocent suspect IDs, current ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve approaches fail to provide unambiguous information about which eyewitness identification procedures are best in practice. We introduce a novel graphical technique called utility difference curves that illustrates the impact that differential assumptions about base rates and cost structures have on the likely benefits of different identification procedures. The research emphasizes the importance of considering assumptions about base rates and costs associated with different types of eyewitness errors. We also clarify situations in which the outcome of eyewitness experiments are unambiguous and those in which careful consideration of tradeoffs are necessary. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Principles of risk assessment for researchers and practitioners.

Risk assessment instruments (RAIs) are generally thought to be more accurate and less susceptible to bias than the type of seat-of-the-pants risk assessment in which judges and parole boards have traditionally engaged. But RAIs bring with them their own set of controversies. This article will discuss three principles - the fit principle, the validity principle, and the fairness principle - that might govern use of RAIs. After providing examples of RAIs, it elaborates on how these principles would affect sentencing, parole and pretrial detention. In the course of doing so, this article also introduces the contributions in this Special Issue of Behavioral Sciences & the Law on "Risk factors and criminal justice."

An Etiological Approach to Sexual Offender Assessment: CAse Formulation Incorporating Risk Assessment (CAFIRA).

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Case formulations (CF) have been the cornerstone of effective practice in clinical psychology since the 1950s and now form one of the core competencies in clinical and forensic assessment. The use of CFs within forensic settings is becoming more relevant when working with offenders who have experienced significant trauma, suffered from personality disorder, and have displayed sexually abusive behavior. Furthermore, most North American and European jurisdictions insist that expert witnesses adopt an idiosyncratic approach to risk assessment and consider the characteristics of the individual as part of a wider formulation of the problem behavior. This article focuses specifically on CF incorporating risk assessment procedures of sexual offenders. RECENT FINDINGS: While empirical support for the use of risk analysis and formulation in managing offending behavior generally, and sexual offending behavior in particular, is limited, there is mounting evidence to suggest that CF can improve understanding of an individual's problem sexual behaviors. We argue that by integrating risk formulations into the CF provides a conceptually robust link between the etiologically development of the problem sexual behavior and effective assessment and risk management of sexual offenders. As forensic treatment programs increasingly moved toward strength-based approaches, in keeping with the Risk-Need-Responsivity principles Andrews and Bonta (2004), and the Good Lives Model Ward and Stewart (Prof Psychol Res Pract 34:353-60, 2003) of offender rehabilitation, the use of CFs in the assessment, treatment, and management of sexual offenders is indispensable. We present an etiological framework for understanding risk in an individual sexual offender by integrating a case formulation model to include the use of (static, stable, and acute) actuarial and clinical risk assessment measures as well as protective risk factors, referred to as the CAse Formulation Incorporating Risk Assessment (CAFIRA) model.