“Forensic Clinical Psychology as an Emerging ... - SRM University

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
Dr. T. V. A. Ragavan, Prof of Psychology (Retd), Annamalai University
A study of basic psychology provides us with an understanding of the nature of the mental processes
and the functions of the nervous system. Within its ambit it describes and explains such of the
important concepts as learning, attention, remembering, feelings and emotions, motivation, nature
of personality etc. These together, lead to the general understanding of the total human behaviour.
Over the past few centuries, the frontiers of psychology has expanded so much that it had given
rise to several branches of applied psychology which are beneficially used in various kinds human
endeavours.
The range includes:
• Educational Psychology {psychological principles and theories contributing to the
advancement of education)
• Prison Psychology where psychologists are involved in correctional services
• Clinical Psychology where psychologists work in hospitals and clinics (providing services to
the emotionally disturbed individuals)
• Occupational Psychology (psychologists who help in the choice of suitable avocations with
appropriate aptitude and relevant interests)
• Academics who engage themselves in teaching and/or research work in psychology
In the field of psychology CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY occupies the center stage as an important applied
branch of the subject. As a professional a clinical psychologists occupies a significant position in
the field of mental health. Most of them possess a post graduate degree with Psychology as major.
Then after two years of further study, they undergo an internship in a clinical or hospital setting for
a year.
The clinical psychologists are sufficiently exposed to psychological testing, assessment and evaluation.
They contribute to the process of diagnosis, not just by labeling a disorder such as schizophrenia, bipolar
disorder or depression but also makes one appreciate the pre-disposing, precipitating and the
perpetuating factors to enable the client’s improve the nature of his/her personal relationships and
the quality of work. This is done by adopting various therapeutic techniques such as desensitization
and psychological counseling.
Forensic Psychology probably is one of the youngest siblings in the field of applied psychology.
Though seeds were sown for the development of this discipline in the late 19 th century, it
gained momentum after the Second World War. Forensic Psychology is an applied branch that
is concerned with the collection, examination and presentation of adequate and appropriate
evidence for judicial purposes (Howard 1981). Psychological information is provided to facilitate a