Adolescent Brain Development and Progressive Legal Responsibility in the Latin American Context.

In this article, we analyze the contributions of neuroscience to the development of the adolescent brain and shed additional light on the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the context of Latin America. In neurobiology, maturity is perceived to be complex because the brain's temporal development process is not uniform across all its regions. This has important consequences for adolescents' behavior; in their search for the acceptance of their peers, they are more vulnerable to pressure and more sensitive to stress than adults. Their affectivity is more unstable, and they show signs of low tolerance to frustration and important emotional reactivity, with a decrease in the capacity to self-regulate. Consequently, risky behavior presents itself more frequently during adolescence, and behaviors that transgress norms and social conventions typically peak between the ages of 17 and 19 years. However, only a small percentage of young offenders escalate their behavior to committing crimes during adulthood. In comparative law, there are considerable differences in Latin American countries' legal dispositions regarding the minimum age of criminal responsibility; Brazil, Costa Rica, and Ecuador regard the age of criminal responsibility to be 12 years, while Argentina accepts this to be 16 years. From a legal viewpoint, however, the debate about the minimum age of criminal responsibility is connected to other circumstances that, because they are still at a developmental stage, are attributed to adolescents' rights in their decision-making and understanding of autonomy (e.g., the minimum ages for voting, alcohol consumption, and medical consent). We argue that research on the development of the adolescent brain does not provide definitive answers about the exact age required for different juridical purposes. Nonetheless, the current state of knowledge does allow for reflection on the development and maturation of adolescents and the implications for considering them criminally responsible. It also validates demands for a system that provides adolescents with greater protection and that favors their healthy integral development. In any case, although a specific minimum age is not evident, this study is disposed not to recommend lowering the age of criminal responsibility, but rather increasing it.

Psychometric properties of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) in adolescents and young adults from Southern Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Alcohol abuse is a worldwide health problem because of its association with high rates of morbidity, mortality, and interpersonal conflicts. In Mexico, young people are the group most severely affected by high levels of alcohol intake. This study attempts to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in the Mexican youth population, since validation studies do not currently exist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An opinion sampling method was used based on the inclusion criteria for the study and the accessibility of the sample. Participants' ages ranged from 14 to 30, and 44.2% (N = 854) were male and 55.8% (N = 1078) were female. RESULTS: The psychometric guarantees of AUDIT have been confirmed, highlighting the value of Alpha Cronbach (.804) of the scale, and the validity of its internal structure through a confirmatory factor analysis, which showed the validity of the model of the three factors (Risky use, Dependence symptoms, and Harmful alcohol use). The results confirm a pattern of non-daily use, and concentrated, excess use on a single occasion. The existence of significant differences has also been confirmed in terms of the legal drinking age in some of the indicators used, and the risk of alcohol consumption increases with age. CONCLUSIONS: The appropriate psychometric properties of AUDIT have been confirmed in the Mexican youth population. It shows a public health issue that requires the design of prevention programs that impact risk factors and promote protective factors.

Factores socioemocionales: una revisión bibliográfica en el campo de la evaluación infantil / Social-Emotional Factors: A Literature Review in the Field of Child Assessment

Resumen Las condiciones socioemocionales en la infancia son claves dentro de los factores de riesgo y protección asociados con la manifestación de distintos problemas de conducta. Así mismo, estos factores se emplean como indicadores para la evaluación del impacto de programas de prevención, en sus distintos niveles, y en diversas áreas de la psicología infanto-juvenil. En este contexto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar los constructos, las definiciones, las variables y los instrumentos utilizados para evaluar estas condiciones socioemocionales en la infancia. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica a partir de una búsqueda en la base de datos APA PsycNet, de publicaciones registradas entre el 2010 y el 2020, con las palabras clave: Socioemotional OR socio-emotional, AND assessment OR psychometric OR intervention OR program OR prevention OR attention. Se encontraron 241 publicaciones, de las cuales 101 cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad. Los resultados indican que se usan diferentes constructos asociados con los factores socioemocionales, que no siempre se definen, tales como: competencias, bienestar, desarrollo, funcionamiento, ajuste, habilidades y aprendizaje. Aunque no existe consenso respecto a un único constructo para hacer referencia las condiciones socio-emocionales, sí se encontraron, en sus procesos de evaluación, variables comunes en diferentes contextos culturales. Sin embargo, en las publicaciones analizadas no se especifican las características psicométricas de los test utilizados, lo cual impidió identificar su rigor metodológico y el de los resultados derivados de su aplicación.

Abstract Social-emotional factors in childhood occupy an important place among the risk and protective factors associated with the manifestation of different behavioral problems. Likewise, these factors are used as indicators for the evaluation of the impact of prevention programs, at different levels, and in different areas of child and adolescent psychology. In this context, this research aimed to identify the constructs, definitions, variables, and instruments used to assess social-emotional factors in childhood. A literature review was conducted based on a search in the APA PsycNet database of publications registered between 2010 and 2020, with the keywords: Socioemotional OR socio-emotional, AND assessment OR psychometric OR intervention OR program OR prevention OR attention. A total of 241 publications were found, of which 101 met the eligibility criteria. The results indicate that different constructs associated with social-emotional factors are used, such as competencies, well-being, development, functioning, adjustment, skills, and learning. Although there is no consensus regarding a single construct to refer to social-emotional conditions, common variables in different cultural contexts were found in their evaluation processes. However, the analyzed publications do not specify the psychometric characteristics of the tests used, which made it impossible to identify their methodological rigor and the results derived from their application.

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)

Factores sociodemográficos asociados a la victimización delictiva en estudiantes universitarios de tres ciudades mexicanas / Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Criminal Victimization in University Students in Three Mexican Cities / Fatores sócio-demográficos associados à vitimização delitiva em estudantes universitários de três cidades mexicanas

Objetivo. Evaluar la prevalência de las experiencias de victimización criminal y los factores sociodemográficos asociados en estudiantes universitarios de tres ciudades mexicanas: Chihuahua, Guadalajara y Puebla. Método. En una muestra no aleatoria participaron 2532 estudiantes de diferentes carreras a través de un estudio descriptivo y correlacional. Se aplicó la batería Encuesta sobre Democracia, Tejido Social y Seguridad Humana, vía electrónica, que contempla 16 formas de victimización, ocurridas en los últimos seis meses. Resultados. Se encontraron diferencias de victimización entre ciudades y por sexo. De destacar, en mujeres, un menor nivel socioeconómico se asoció con más victimización sexual, acoso y persecución. En hombres, a mayor nivel socioeconómico, menos experiencias familiares de suicidio o desapariciones, de lesiones en accidentes viales y de pago por trámites públicos. Más experiencias de victimización se asociaron con mayor disposición a cambiar de lugar de residencia o trabajo, sobre todo para las mujeres. Discusión. Una mayor victimización criminal se asocia con menor disposición a permanecer en la ciudad actual de residencia. El nivel socioeconómico aparece como un factor de protección (alto nivel) o de riesgo (bajo nivel) en relación con la victimización.

Objective. To evaluate the prevalence of criminal victimization experiences and associated sociodemographic factors among university students from three Mexican cities: Chihuahua, Guadalajara and Puebla. Method. A non-random sample involved 2532 students from different majors through a descriptive and correlational study. The battery of the Survey on Democracy, Social Tissue and Human Security was applied electronically, which considers 16 forms of victimization that occurred in the last six months. Results. Differences of victimization were found between cities and by sex. Notably, in women, a lower socioeconomic level was associated with more sexual victimization, harassment and persecution. In men at a higher socioeconomic level, less family experiences of suicide or disappearances, injuries in road accidents and payment for public procedures. More experiences of victimization were associated with greater willingness to change places of residence or work, especially for women. Conclusion. Greater criminal victimization is associated with less willingness to stay in the current city of residence. The socioeconomic level appears as a protection factor (high level) or risk (low level) in relation to victimization.

Escopo. Avaliar a prevalência das experiências devitimização criminal eos fatores sócio-demográficos associados em estudantes universitários de três cidades mexicanas, Chihuahua, Guadalajara e Puebla. Metodologia. Numa amostra aleatória participaram 2532 estudantes de diferentes carreiras a través de um estudo descritivo e co-relacional. Foi aplicada a bateria de Votação sobre Democracia, Tecido Social e Seguridade Humana, via eletrônica, que contempla 16 formas de vitimização, acontecidos nos últimos 6 meses. Resultados. Foram encontradas diferenças de vitimização entre cidades e segundo o sexo. Destaca, em mulheres, que um menor nível socioeconômico foi associado com mais vitimização sexual, acosso e persecução. Em homens, com maior nível socioeconómico, menos experiência familiares de suicídio ou desaparições, de lesões em acidentes rodoviários e de pago por trâmites de serviços públicos. Mais experiências de vitimização foram associadas com maior disposição para mudar de lugar de residência ou trabalho, especialmente para as mulheres. Discussão. Uma maior vitimização criminal é associada com menor disposição para permanecer na cidade atual de residência. O nível socioeconómico aparece como um fator de proteção (alto nível) ou de risco (baixo nível) em relação com a vitimização.

Actitudes de permisividad y resistencia, motivaciones y percepción de riesgo ante el consumo de alcohol en estudiantes mexicanos / Attitudes of permissiveness and resistance, motivations and perception of risk as regards alcohol consumption in Mexican students

En este estudio se propone como objetivo analizar las diferencias en actitudes de permisividad y resistencia, motivaciones y percepciones de riesgo ante el consumo de alcohol en función de las intoxicaciones etílicas reportadas y por niveles de edad y género en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios mexicanos. Método: Se han seleccionado 333 jóvenes mexicanos estudiantes de Ciencias Sociales con edades comprendidas entre los 17 y 25 años (X=19.90; DT=1.60) consultándoles acerca de las motivaciones para beber, las percepciones de riesgo, así como las actitudes ante el consumo. Resultados: Se ha comprobado que las actitudes de resistencia son mayores entre los jóvenes que afirman no haber tenido una intoxicación etílica en el último mes en cualquier agrupamiento de edad y mayores en los que han tenido un episodio de intoxicación etílica respecto a los que han tenido varios. Asimismo, se ha confirmado una mayor actitud de permisividad en quienes refieren un mayor consumo de alcohol tanto en chicos como en chicas en el último mes. Por su parte, los motivadores y el modelado grupal son significativamente mayores entre los que se han emborrachado en el último mes, si bien no se confirman las diferencias en los motivadores de consumo basados en la búsqueda de efectos ni de la percepción de riesgo. Discusión: Estos resultados se discuten en función de los estudios más relevantes en la temática de esta investigación abundando en la conveniencia de una intervención integral ante esta problemática

In this study we seek to analyze the differences in attitudes of permissiveness and resistance, motivations and perceptions of risk as regards alcohol consumption based on reported alcohol intoxication levels and by age and gender in a sample of Mexican college students. Methods: 333 Mexican students of Social Sciences aged between 17 and 25 years (X = 19.90, SD = 1.60) were selected, consulting them about the motivations for drinking, risk perceptions and attitudes to consumption. Results: Attitudes of resistance were found to be higher among young people who say they have had no alcohol poisoning in the last month in any age grouping and greater in those who have had one episode of alcohol intoxication than those who had had several. It also confirmed a more permissive attitude of those who report a higher alcohol consumption in both boys and girls, in the last month. The motivators and modeling group were significantly higher among those who have been drunk in the last month, although the differences in consumer motivators based on the search for effects and the perception of risk is not confirmed. Discussion: These results are discussed in terms of the most relevant studies on the subject of this research, elaborating on the usefulness of comprehensive intervention in this problema

Perfilación criminológica: una revisión de la literatura y su aplicación en la investigación criminal en Colombia / Forensic pro ling: a review of the relevant literature and its application in criminal investigation in Colombia / Avaliação criminológica pelo perfil: uma revisão da literatura e da sua aplicação na investigação criminal na Colômbia

El estudio tuvo como objetivo realizar una revisión teórica de los aspectos más importantes de la perfilación criminológica, así como las condiciones bajo las cuales se utiliza esta técnica en Colombia, los resultados que se han obtenido tras utilizarla y los desafíos que representa en este país. Tras realizar la revisión de la literatura sobre el tema, se encontró que pese al creciente desarrollo de la perfilación en países como Estados Unidos, el Reino Unido y España, en Colombia la perfilación criminológica es una técnica de investigación escasamente utilizada, y desconocida tanto por los profesionales de salud mental como por los operadores de justicia. Existen deficiencias en la recolección de información para el desarrollo del perfil, y grandes carencias de investigaciones empíricas que soporten la validez de la técnica. Sin embargo, deben reconocerse adelantos en cuanto al uso práctico que se da de esta técnica, tal como se presenta en un análisis de caso realizado por el Grupo de Ciencias del Comportamiento y Perfilación Criminal (CICOP) de la Policía Nacional. Al final se discuten los desafíos que representan los conocimientos generados respecto a la perfilación criminológica para la investigación criminal en Colombia.

O estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão teórica dos aspectos mais importantes da avaliação criminológica pelo perfil, assim como as condições nas quais se utiliza esta técnica na Colômbia, os resultados obtidos após sua utilização e os desafios que representa nesse país. Após ter feito a revisão da literatura no assunto, achou-se que apesar do desenvolvimento crescente da avaliação pelo perfil nos países como os Estados Unidos, Reino Unido e Espanha, na Colômbia a avaliação criminológica pelo perfil é uma técnica da investigação escassamente utilizada, e desconhecida pelos profissionais da saúde mental e pelos operadores da justiça. Têm deficiências na coleta das informações para o desenvolvimento do perfil, e as grandes carências das investigações empíricas que suportam a validez da técnica. Não obstante, é fundamental reconhecer avanços sobre o uso prático desta técnica, como se apresenta em uma análise de caso feita pelo Grupo de Ciências do Comportamento e Avaliação do Perfil Criminoso (CICOP) da Polícia Nacional. No final os desafios que representam o conhecimento gerado a respeito da avaliação criminológico pelo perfil são discutidos para a investigação criminal na Colômbia.

The purpose of this study has been to carry out a theoretical review of the most important aspects envisaged in forensic profiling together with the conditions in which this technique is used in Colombia and the results having been obtained here from its use, as well as the challenges posed. After having completed the review of the related literature, it was found that despite the growing experience gained in the development of profiling in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and Spain, a still poorly used investigation technique prevails in Colombia, almost unknown to both mental health professionals and justice operators. There are some deficiencies in the collection of information required for profiling, as well as a notorious lack of empirical researches and investigations serving to support the validity of this technique; nevertheless, some advances should be acknowledged with regard to its practical use as shown in a case study analysis carried out by the National Police “CICOP” (Behavior Sciences and Criminal Profiling Group). To conclude, the challenges posed by knowledge obtained with regard to forensic profiling for criminal investigation in Colombia are discussed.

Psicología Jurídica: quehacer y desarrollo / Legal Psychology: Aims and Development

Este artículo aborda los conceptos de Psicología Jurídica y sus sub-áreas, así como una breve revisión de su desarrollo histórico en torno a la reflexión de cuatro temas: las agremiaciones y congresos; la investigación y la publicación; la formación académica; y los procesos de acreditación y certificación profesional. Estos puntos se abordan teniendo en cuenta el contexto internacional, en general, y el hispano, en particular. Por último, se analizan los avances y desafíos de la Psicología Jurídica en Latinoamérica.

This article deals with the concepts of Legal Psychology and its sub-areas. It also offers a brief review of its historical development along four main topics: (a) Organizations y congresses; (b) research and its publishing; (c) academic training; and (d) the processes of professional accreditation and certification. All of these aspects are discussed within an international framework and, more specifically, the Hispanic context. At last, the current progress and main challenges of Legal Psychology in Latin America are analyzed.