âForensic Clinical Psychology as an Emerging ... - SRM University

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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
legal decision (Blackburn 1996). The data for diagnostic purposes are gathered through variety of methods such as personal interview, history-taking, administration of psychological tests (eg WAIS) to assess cognitive functions and projective tests (Rorschach ink-blot). There are also tools to assess anxiety, depression etc. Clients’ responses (verbal and non verbal), change in facial expressions and distorted communications may also be helpful in making the diagnosis. Thus we find a close relationship between Clinical and Forensic Psychology. Forensic Psychology ultimately aims at understanding deviant behaviours of clients like feigning, malingering, hypochondriasis etc and link it with the process of law to deliver justice to the accused for their harmful misbehaviours. The word forensic comes from the word ‘Fores’ which means a forum (court). In the present day context of increasing economic and social crimes of immense magnitude and in diversified areas as reported in print and electronic media, forensic psychology is expected to further grow as a more specialized applied science.
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