Class Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychology results from the interconnectios of law and psychology. It is of particular importance not only for its diverse and specialized fields of activity, but also for the differences in the functions of the forensic psychologist compared to other areas of psychology. In this curricular unit, the different contexts of intervention will be addressed, as well as the functions of a forensic psychologist, ethics and deontology, forensic assessment methods and psychological intervention models. 

S1. Forensic psychology: Definition and settings 

1.1. Key-concepts

1.2. Fields of pratice (civil, criminal, other)

1.3. Professional activities

S2. Ethics and deontology

S3. Forensic psychological assessment

3.1 Characteristics, specificities and challenges 

3.2 Assessment methods and techniques

3.3 Assessment of offenders (young offenders, individuals with psychopathy, sexual and IPV offenders) 

3.4 Assessment of victims of crime (sexual violence and IPV)

S4. Forensic psychological intervention 

4.1 Basic principles, models and modalities of intervention 

4.1.1 Rehabilitation programs 

The innovative teaching methodologies for this format include collaborative learning and problem-based learning. These approaches actively engage students, enabling them to apply theoretical concepts, collaborate with peers, and analyze real-world problems. These methodologies aim to promote foundational knowledge in the applied aspect of forensic psychology, specifically in the areas of assessment and intervention.

• Agulhas, R. & Anciães, A. (2014). Casos práticos em Psicologia Forense. Edições Sílabo.
• Matos, M., Gonçalves, R.A., & Machado, C. (Eds.). (2011). Manual de psicologia forense: Contextos, práticas e desafios. Psiquilíbrios
• Paulino, M., & Alho, L. (2018). Comportamento criminal e avaliação forense. Pactor.
• Simões, M. R., Almeida, L. S., & Gonçalves, M. M. (2017). Psicologia Forense: Instrumentos de avaliação. Pactor.
• Scott-Snyder, S. (2017). Introducton to Forensic Psychology: Essentials for law enforcement. CRC Press.
• Taylor, S. (2019). Forensic Psychology: the basics. Routledge.
• Weiner, I. B. & Otto, R. K. (2013). The handbook of forensic psychology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.