Forensic Psychology - Prelims PDF

**[FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY]** Forensic Psychology is a specialized field of psychology that applies psychological principles, theories, and techniques to the legal and criminal justice systems. It bridges the gap between psychology and the law, focusing on understanding human behavior in legal contexts...

**[FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY]** Forensic Psychology is a specialized field of psychology that applies psychological principles, theories, and techniques to the legal and criminal justice systems. It bridges the gap between psychology and the law, focusing on understanding human behavior in legal contexts. **[IMPORTANCE OF FORENSIC\ PSYCHOLOGY IN CSI]** 1. **CRIMINAL PROFILING** Forensic Psychologists analyze crime scene, patterns, and behaviors to create a psychological profile of the offender. This helps law enforcement narrow down suspects and understand motives behind crimes. 2. **BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS** By studying evidence such as how the crime was committed, forensic psychologists can infer the mental state, personality trait, and habits of the perpetuator. 3. **VICTIMOLOGY** 4. **INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES** Forensic psychologists develop effective strategies for questioning suspects and witnesses, ensuring reliable information is gathered without coercion. 5. **UNDERSTANDING WITNESS BEHAVIOR** They help assess the reliability and accuracy of witness testimonials by considering factors like stress, trauma and memory recall. **[DATA COLLECTION APPROACHES]** Forensic psychologist employs a multi-method approach to data collection that includes: - ***record review*** - ***interviewing*** - ***collateral contacts*** - ***neuropsychological/psychological testing.*** By collecting information from multiple sources, the professional is able to increase the validity and reliability of the information that they rely upon. **[PSYCHOLOGISTS VS PSYCHIATRIST]** **PSYCHOLOGISTS** - Focus on mental health and behavioral science and are doctoral-level professionals. - They use therapeutic approaches like behavior modification and mindfulness practice to help clients manage stressors and behavioral problems. - They have master's degree in psychology and took the licensure exam for Psychologists **PSYCHIATRIST** - They are specialized medical doctors who are trained in both medicine and mental health. - They take a biological approach to treating mental health disorders and can prescribe medication and administer medical treatments - They give medications to serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and serious suicidal ideation. **[FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGISTS AS\ EXPERT WITNESS]** 1. Help the Trier (judge/court) reach an opinion 2. May report on specialized examinations conducted 3. May critique or interpret data provided by others 4. Respond to hypothetical situations or fact patterns proposed by lawyers **[DRUGS AND BEHAVIOR: THE PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECT OF DRUGS]** **PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES** Any natural or synthesized product that has psychoactive effects including the change in perception, thoughts, emotions, and behavior. - The three most common are caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. **SUBSTANCE USE** Ingestion of a substance in moderate amounts without interfering with social, educational or occupational functioning. **INTOXICATION** - Drunkenness or getting high - depends on which drug is taken, how much is ingested, and the person\'s biological reaction - Impaired judgment, mood changes, problems walking/talking **SUBSTANCE USE** - Addiction - How the substance abuse interferes with the user\'s life - DSM-5 criteria include a category of **symptoms for substance use disorder.\ ** **[CATEGORIES OF SUD SYMPTOMS\ (SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER)]** **IMPAIRED CONTROL** - Using more of the substance or more often than intended - Wanting to cut down and stop using but not being able to **SOCIAL PROBLEMS** - Neglecting responsibilities and relationships - Giving up activities they used to care about because of their substance use - Inability to complete tasks at school, home or work. **RISKY USE** - Using substance in risky settings - Continued use despite known problems **PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE** - Needing more of the substance to get the same effect (tolerance) - Having withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not used **CONSEQUENCES OF YOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE** - Poor health Mental illness - Legal consequences - Academic difficulties - Poor relationships - Accidents and violent behavior - Death - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome **[WHY DO PEOPLE USE DRUGS?]** **CASE EXAMPLE: THE CASE OF MAY** - 17 years old - Parents were separated - Mother is an OFW - At 13, she is smoking, drinking, and using shabu - Evidence of self-harm - Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder - Arrested for violation of section 15 of RA 9165 **CHANGE IN APPEARANCE** - Weight loss - Poor hygiene - Red eyes/ dilated pupils **PROBLEMS WITH RELATIONSHIP, WORK & SCHOOL** - Cheating - Irresponsible - Possibility of violence - Unable to work- hangover - Tardiness/absenteeism - Dui --driving under the influence - Financial difficulties **CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR** - Slurred speech - Clumsy, forgetful - Irritable (\"lowbatt na\") - Secretive - Violent - Unsuccessful effort to quit or - Cut down drinking/using - Change in appetite/sleep/peer - Groups losing interest in old hobbies **PREOCCUPATION WITH YOUR DRUG OF CHOICE** - The only thing that matters -- to use - Increasing amounts to experience the same effect (tolerance - *pila ka sako (sachet) na ang mahurot* ) - Repeated use of the drug - Cravings - Drug-seeking behaviors: desperate need to ingest more - Steal, lie, Prostitute themselves **[MEDICINAL MARIJUANA]** - Marijuana without the high -- CBD (cannabidiol) - Relieve patients from insomnia and epilepsy - Fantastic muscle relaxant -- Parkinson\'s Disease - Ease the pain of multiple sclerosis, manage nausea and weight loss - Glaucoma - PTSD **TREATMENT** - Detox - Residential treatment - Intensive outpatient program - Outpatient treatment - COMMON THERAPIES USED IN TREATMENT: - Individual therapy - Group therapy - Family therapy - Motivational Interviewing - Cognitive-Behavioral therapy - RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAMS ARE FOCUSED ON: - Relapse Prevention - Addiction Education - Drug Refusal Skills - Family Roles - Life Skills Education - Re-integration - Trigger identification - Anger management - Coping with Loss - 12 Steps Program \-\-- end of topic \-\-- **[SEXUAL DISORDERS]** **SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS** *(see table* 13.2, *13.3, and 13.4)*  \-\-- end of topic \-\-- **[PERSONALITY DISORDERS]** **PERSONALITY** All the ways we have of acting, thinking, believing, and feeling that make each of us unique. **PERSONALITY TRAIT** A complex pattern of behavior, thought, and feeling that is stable across time and across many situations. One of the leading theories of personality is the **five-factor model**, which posits that everyone's personality is organized along five broad dimensions or factors of personality.   \-\-- end of topic \-\--