1
|
Ales F, Meyer GJ, Mihura JL, Loia AC, Pasqualini S, Zennaro A, Giromini L. Can the Rorschach be Administered Remotely? A Review of Options and a Pilot Study Using a Newly Developed R-PAS App. PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY & LAW 2022; 16:1-17. [PMID: 35308458 PMCID: PMC8923744 DOI: 10.1007/s12207-022-09447-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has required psychologists to adopt measures like physical distancing and mask wearing, though other safety procedures such as travel restrictions or prohibitions on in-person practice and research have fostered the use of tele-health tools. In this article, we review options for using the Rorschach task via videoconference and provide preliminary data from using a new electronic app for remote R-PAS administration to determine whether the remote administration in an electronic form yields different information than in-person administration with the cards in hand. As a pilot study, our focus is on the "first factor" of all Rorschach scores, i.e., complexity. Data were collected from 60 adult Italian community volunteers, and statistical analyses evaluated the extent to which the average complexity score significantly departed from R-PAS normative expectations (SS = 100), accompanied by Bayesian likelihoods for supporting the null hypothesis. Results suggest that the general level of complexity shown by the test-takers when administered the Rorschach remotely with the new R-PAS app closely resembles that previously observed using "standard" in-person procedures. Tentative analyses of other R-PAS scores suggested normative departures that could be due to the effects of the app, testing at home, or responses to the pandemic. We offer recommendations for future research and discuss practical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ales
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10123 Turin, TO Italy
| | | | - Joni L. Mihura
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH USA
| | - Andrea Corgiat Loia
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10123 Turin, TO Italy
| | - Sara Pasqualini
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10123 Turin, TO Italy
| | - Alessandro Zennaro
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10123 Turin, TO Italy
| | - Luciano Giromini
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10123 Turin, TO Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Areh I. Forensic assessment may be based on common sense assumptions rather than science. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2020; 71:101607. [PMID: 32768107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2020.101607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Forensic assessments must be scientifically founded, because courts should obtain expert evidence with acceptable evidential value. In Slovenia, professional guidelines of forensic personality assessment are too general and not always in line with international professional recommendations. Thus, experts have no strict guidelines which would lead them to scientifically grounded expert opinions. The aim of the research was to establish which tests are employed in forensic assessment in Slovenia and to what extent the professional guidelines for expert opinions are followed. A total of 166 forensic personality assessments were reviewed, representing the majority of expert opinions issued in the period 2003-2018. The results of the analysis revealed that questionable projective tests are most commonly used. Typically, an expert opinion was rendered based on two tests, at least one of which was projective. What is more, expert opinions did not include hypotheses, in-text citations, reference lists, or proof of the expert witness's competence. The tests and their results were mentioned briefly and inadequately, without mention of their reliability and validity. Possible malingering of the person being evaluated was not detected. Professional guidelines were not followed and non-standardized tests without normative values and of questionable scientific merit were predominantly used, despite lack of proof that they truly measure what they claim to be measuring. These findings significantly differ from the results of similar research, raising serious concerns over the credibility of expert opinions in Slovenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Areh
- Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security, University of Maribor, Kotnikova 8, 1000 Ljubljana, EU, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chung DS, Moon DS, Lee MH, Kwack YS. Custody Evaluation Process and Report Writing. Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak 2020; 31:58-65. [PMID: 32595343 PMCID: PMC7289475 DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.200006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
As in western countries, divorce rates in South Korea have recently been rising, and family disruption has become one of serious social problems. Parents are able to express their opinions and wishes confidently, but the thoughts and wishes of children, especially infants and young children, tend to be ignored. Children can also experience several emotional and behavioral problems during the process of and after their parents’ divorce. When South Korean family courts determine custody arrangements, they typically do not have a systematic strategy and process based on custody evaluation to help children and their parents overcome conflicts and build healthy parent-child relationships after divorce. Furthermore, under the current court system, it is difficult for mental health specialists and child psychiatrists to intervene in familial conflicts as mediators or therapists during the course of divorce proceedings. Acknowledging these limitations, the South Korean family court system implemented a formal program for custody evaluations by child psychiatrists and psychologists in 2017. However, they have faced challenges such as a shortage of experienced specialist and lack of a training system or instruments for evaluation. In this paper, the authors aim to share professional knowledge of and experiences with aspects of the custody evaluation process, such as indications, procedures, methods, psychological tests, resources, and final report writing, to better serve children and their parents undergoing a painful divorce process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Duk Soo Moon
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | | | - Young Sook Kwack
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Neal TMS, Slobogin C, Saks MJ, Faigman DL, Geisinger KF. Psychological Assessments in Legal Contexts: Are Courts Keeping “Junk Science” Out of the Courtroom? Psychol Sci Public Interest 2020; 20:135-164. [DOI: 10.1177/1529100619888860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we report the results of a two-part investigation of psychological assessments by psychologists in legal contexts. The first part involves a systematic review of the 364 psychological assessment tools psychologists report having used in legal cases across 22 surveys of experienced forensic mental health practitioners, focusing on legal standards and scientific and psychometric theory. The second part is a legal analysis of admissibility challenges with regard to psychological assessments. Results from the first part reveal that, consistent with their roots in psychological science, nearly all of the assessment tools used by psychologists and offered as expert evidence in legal settings have been subjected to empirical testing (90%). However, we were able to clearly identify only about 67% as generally accepted in the field and only about 40% have generally favorable reviews of their psychometric and technical properties in authorities such as the Mental Measurements Yearbook. Furthermore, there is a weak relationship between general acceptance and favorability of tools’ psychometric properties. Results from the second part show that legal challenges to the admission of this evidence are infrequent: Legal challenges to the assessment evidence for any reason occurred in only 5.1% of cases in the sample (a little more than half of these involved challenges to validity). When challenges were raised, they succeeded only about a third of the time. Challenges to the most scientifically suspect tools are almost nonexistent. Attorneys rarely challenge psychological expert assessment evidence, and when they do, judges often fail to exercise the scrutiny required by law.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tess M. S. Neal
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arizona State University
| | | | - Michael J. Saks
- Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University
| | | | - Kurt F. Geisinger
- Buros Center for Testing, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mazza C, Burla F, Verrocchio MC, Marchetti D, Di Domenico A, Ferracuti S, Roma P. MMPI-2-RF Profiles in Child Custody Litigants. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:725. [PMID: 31681037 PMCID: PMC6805769 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: A psychological assessment of parents in post-divorce child custody disputes highlighted parents' motivation to appear as adaptive and responsible caregivers. The study hypothesized that personality self-report measures completed by child custody litigants (CCLs) during a parental skills assessment would show underreporting, rendering the measures worthless. The study also analyzed gender differences in a CCL sample, general CCL profiles, and the implicit structure of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) in the CCL sample. Materials and Methods: The sample comprised 400 CCLs undergoing personality evaluation as part of a parenting skills assessment. The mean age of the 204 mothers was 41.31 years (SD = 6.6), with an overall range of 24-59 years. Mothers had a mean educational level of 14.48 years (SD = 3.2). The 196 fathers were aged 20-59 years (M = 42.31; SD = 7.8), with an average of 14.48 years (SD = 3.9) of education. The MMPI-2-RF was administered. To test the hypotheses, multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) and two-step cluster analyses were run. Results: CCL subjects reported higher scores in underreporting (L-r and K-r) and lower scores in overreporting [F-r, Fp-r, Fs-r, and response bias scale (RBS)] validity scales and restructured clinical (RC) scales, with the exception of RC2 and RC8. RC6 (Ideas of Persecution) was the most elevated. Intercorrelations within the RC scales significantly differed between CCL and normative samples. Women appeared deeply motivated to display a faking-good defensive profile, together with lower levels of cynicism and antisocial behaviors, compared to CCL men. Two-step cluster analyses identified three female CCL profiles and two male CCL profiles. Approximately 44% of the MMPI-2-RF profiles were deemed possibly underreporting and, for this reason, considered worthless. Discussion: The present study adds useful insight about which instruments are effective for assessing the personality characteristics of parents undergoing a parental skills assessment in the context of a child custody dispute. The results show that almost half of the MMPI-2-RF protocols in the CCL sample were worthless due to their demonstration of an underreporting attitude. This highlights the necessity to interpret CCL profiles in light of normative data collected specifically in a forensic setting and the need for new and promising methods of mainstreaming and administering the MMPI-2-RF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Mazza
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Burla
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Verrocchio
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Daniela Marchetti
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alberto Di Domenico
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Roma
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Harper JM, Schmidt F, Cuttress LJ, Mazmanian D. An Examination of Positive Impression Management Validity Scales in the Context of Parenting Capacity Assessments. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/15228932.2014.890482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
7
|
Roma P, Ricci F, Kotzalidis GD, Abbate L, Lavadera AL, Versace G, Pazzelli F, Togliatti MM, Girardi P, Ferracuti S. MMPI-2 in Child Custody Litigation. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT 2014. [DOI: 10.1027/1015-5759/a000192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, several studies have addressed the issue of positive self-presentation bias in assessing parents involved in postdivorce child custody litigations. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) is widely used in forensic assessments and is able to evaluate positive self-presentation through its Superlative Self-Presentation S scale. We investigated the existence of a gender effect on positive self-presentation bias in an Italian sample of parents involved in court evaluation. Participants were 391 divorced parents who completed the full 567-item Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 during child custody evaluations ordered by several Italian courts between 2006 and 2010. Our analysis considered the S scale along with the basic clinical scales. North-American studies had shown no gender differences in child custody litigations. Differently, our results showed a significantly higher tendency toward “faking-good” profiles on the MMPI-2 among Italian women as compared to men and as compared to the normative Italian female population. Cultural and social factors could account for these differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Roma
- NESMOS Department (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Ricci
- NESMOS Department (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios D. Kotzalidis
- NESMOS Department (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Abbate
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Lubrano Lavadera
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Versace
- NESMOS Department (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Pazzelli
- NESMOS Department (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marisa Malagoli Togliatti
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Girardi
- NESMOS Department (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- NESMOS Department (Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schultz DS, Brabender VM. More Challenges Since Wikipedia: The Effects of Exposure to Internet Information About the Rorschach on Selected Comprehensive System Variables. J Pers Assess 2013; 95:149-58. [DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2012.725438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
9
|
Schultz DS, Loving JL. Challenges since Wikipedia: the availability of Rorschach information online and internet users' reactions to online media coverage of the Rorschach-Wikipedia debate. J Pers Assess 2012; 94:73-81. [PMID: 22176268 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2011.627963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
We conducted 2 studies to assess the availability of Rorschach information online and Internet users' attitudes since the inkblots were published on Wikipedia. In the first study, the authors conducted 2 Google searches for Web sites containing Rorschach-related information. The top 88 results were classified by level of threat to test security; 19% posed a direct threat. The authors also found Web sites authored by psychologists that divulged sensitive Rorschach information. In the second study, 588 comments to online news stories covering the Rorschach-Wikipedia debate were coded as expressing favorable or unfavorable opinions regarding the field of psychology, psychologists, and the Rorschach. Eight percent of comments described unfavorable opinions toward psychology, 15% contained unfavorable opinions toward psychologists, and 35% portrayed unfavorable opinions of the Rorschach. Common themes and popular misconceptions of the Rorschach contained in these comments are described. Implications and recommendations for practice are discussed. Limitations, including the second study's narrow sample and self-selection bias, are also detailed.
Collapse
|
10
|
Expert Testimony Using the Rorschach Performance Assessment System in Psychological Injury Cases. PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY & LAW 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s12207-012-9126-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
11
|
Pinsoneault TB, Ezzo FR. A Comparison of MMPI-2-RF Profiles between Child Maltreatment and Non-maltreatment Custody Cases. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/15228932.2012.674469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
12
|
Viljoen JL, McLachlan K, Vincent GM. Assessing violence risk and psychopathy in juvenile and adult offenders: a survey of clinical practices. Assessment 2010; 17:377-95. [PMID: 20124429 DOI: 10.1177/1073191109359587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study surveyed 199 forensic clinicians about the practices that they use in assessing violence risk in juvenile and adult offenders. Results indicated that the use of risk assessment and psychopathy tools was common. Although clinicians reported more routine use of psychopathy measures in adult risk assessments compared with juvenile risks assessments, 79% of clinicians reported using psychopathy measures at least once in a while in juvenile risk assessments. Extremely few clinicians, however, believe that juveniles should be labeled or referred to as psychopaths. Juvenile risk reports were more likely than adult reports to routinely discuss treatment and protective factors, and provide recommendations to reevaluate risk. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jodi L Viljoen
- Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bow JN, Flens JR, Gould JW. MMPI-2 and MCMI-III in Forensic Evaluations: A Survey of Psychologists. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/15228930903173021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
14
|
Lenny P, Dear GE. Faking Good on the MCMI–III: Implications for Child Custody Evaluations. J Pers Assess 2009; 91:553-9. [DOI: 10.1080/00223890903228505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
15
|
Blood L. The Use of the MCMI-III in Completing Parenting Capacity Assessments. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/15228930801947286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
16
|
A Comparison of MMPI-2 Profiles Between Child Maltreatment Cases and Two Types of Custody Cases. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE 2007. [DOI: 10.1300/j158v07n02_02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
17
|
Testing in Child Custody Evaluations–Selection, Usage, and Daubert Admissibility: A Survey of Psychologists. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE 2006. [DOI: 10.1300/j158v06n02_02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
18
|
|
19
|
Archer RP, Buffington-Vollum JK, Stredny RV, Handel RW. A Survey of Psychological Test Use Patterns Among Forensic Psychologists. J Pers Assess 2006; 87:84-94. [PMID: 16856789 DOI: 10.1207/s15327752jpa8701_07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 314] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Clinical psychologists are frequently called on to testify in court regarding mental health issues in civil or criminal cases. One of the legal criteria by which admissibility of testimony is determined includes whether the testimony is based on methods that have gained "general acceptance" in their field. In this study, we sought to evaluate the psychological tests used in forensic assessments by members of the American Psychology-Law Society Division of the American Psychological Association, and by diplomates in the American Board of Forensic Psychology. We present test results from this survey, based on 152 respondents, for forensic evaluations conducted with adults using multiscale inventories, single-scale tests, unstructured personality tests, cognitive and/or intellectual tests, neuropsychological tests, risk assessment and psychopathy instruments, sex offender risk assessment instruments, competency or sanity-related instruments, and instruments used to evaluate malingering. In addition, we provide findings for psychological testing involving child-related forensic issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Archer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, VA 23507-1972, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Clinical Ratings of Parenting Capacity and Rorschach Protocols of Custody-Disputing Parents: An Exploratory Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1300/j190v02n01_09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
21
|
Carr GD, Moretti MM, Cue BJH. Evaluating Parenting Capacity: Validity Problems With the MMPI-2, PAI, CAPI, and Ratings of Child Adjustment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1037/0735-7028.36.2.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
22
|
Byrne JG, O'connor TG, Marvin RS, Whelan WF. Practitioner review: the contribution of attachment theory to child custody assessments. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2005; 46:115-27. [PMID: 15679522 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2004.00396.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The area of child custody assessments continues to fail to meet the evidence-based threshold now established in clinical practice. This is despite the existence, for many years, of published guidelines governing the practice of custody assessments available from a number of professional bodies. METHODS This article reviews the potential of attachment theory to contribute to the conceptualization of custody evaluations, clinical assessment, and the development of evidence-based practice. Particular attention is paid to specific instruments used to assess attachment in clinic and non-clinic settings. RESULTS Guidelines concerning child custody assessments highlight the particular importance of assessing attachment and parent-child relationship quality. However, measures often used in the course of a custody assessment are not backed up with empirical research, and the measures that are supported by empirical research have been slow to influence practice. There may be conceptual and measurement advantages of considering an attachment research-informed custody assessment. DISCUSSION Attachment theory has obvious conceptual relevance for the child custody context. Further clinical research is needed to demonstrate the usefulness of attachment research measures; research of this kind may shed important light on the development and resilience of affectional bonds.
Collapse
|
23
|
Hilsenroth MJ, Stricker G. A Consideration of Challenges to Psychological Assessment Instruments Used in Forensic Settings: Rorschach As Exemplar. J Pers Assess 2004; 83:141-52. [PMID: 15456650 DOI: 10.1207/s15327752jpa8302_08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
In this brief primer, we provide an outline of key issues that will help psychologists organize and prepare their expert testimony. These issues include the need to obtain essential sources of research, a review of the actual legal standards regarding admissibility of test data in expert testimony, the nature of the expert relative to the assessment instrument in expert testimony, the nature of legal versus scientific debate, and the examination of appropriate qualifications of expertise when offering legal testimony. In addition, we use a summary of information contained in several recent articles to address challenges directed against forensic psychological testing. We use the empirical literature on the Rorschach as an exemplar in discussing these issues, as the admissibility of the Rorschach in particular has been challenged, and the issues frequently focused on with the Rorschach are equally applicable to other psychological measures. In this article, we provide essential sources of Rorschach research regarding several empirical studies that summarize important information and directly address previous criticisms of the measure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Hilsenroth
- The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY 11530, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
|
25
|
Bow JN, Boxer P. Assessing allegations of domestic violence in child custody evaluations. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2003; 18:1394-1410. [PMID: 14678613 DOI: 10.1177/0886260503258031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
There has been an increased focus on child custody evaluations involving domestic violence allegations with much criticism of evaluators' training, practices, and procedures. A national survey of 115 child custody evaluators (doctoral and master's level) was conducted to explore these criticisms. Findings revealed adequate training, multiple sources of data collection, and practices/procedures that closely adhere to child custody guidelines. However, robust, specialized domestic violence instruments, tests, and questionnaires were underutilized. Respondents indicated that findings supporting domestic violence allegations had a substantial impact on their subsequent recommendations. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of assessing domestic violence when conducting custody evaluations and the need for developing practice standards in this domain. Generally, results did not support common criticisms of custody evaluation practice.
Collapse
|
26
|
Horvath LS, Logan TK, Walker R. Child custody cases: A content analysis of evaluations in practice. PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY-RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2002. [DOI: 10.1037/0735-7028.33.6.557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
27
|
Bow JN, Quinnell FA, Zaroff M, Assemany A. Assessment of sexual abuse allegations in child custody cases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2002. [DOI: 10.1037/0735-7028.33.6.566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
28
|
Guidelines for Forensic Application of the MCMI-III. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE 2002. [DOI: 10.1300/j158v02n03_04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
29
|
Commentary to a Special Series: Forensic Psychodiagnostic Testing. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE 2002. [DOI: 10.1300/j158v02n03_07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|