Title 

Clinical Forensic Psychology: It's Emergence, Significance and Application in India.

Authors 

Amrita Ajitprasad, Dr Ravindra B Deokar

Abstract 

Psychology is a study of human behaviour branching out to several specializations namely, social psychology, counselling psychology, industrial psychology, criminal psychology, child psychology etc. Clinical psychology is a specialization of psychology involved in the study and identification of diagnoses, assessment and intervention in individuals suffering from mental disorders. There has been a tremendous rise in deaths, crimes due to mental health illnesses, yet the taboo remains unchanged. People are wary of talking about their mental health concerns or consulting an expert fearing prejudice and labelling. This fear of not being able to socially integrate after a mental health illness, the fear of losing support, and the stereotyping the family members experience, prevents a person from talking about their mental health issues. Characteristic features of certain mental disorders comprise of violent behaviour, manipulative behaviour, impulsive-explosive behaviour, excessive aggression which may be a threat to themselves and the society, at large. There have been research studies linking crimes to mental health illnesses and later studies refuting the claims. Various awareness programmes conducted in the society. Mandatory positions of psychologists at schools, corporates – private and public sectors, small scale-large scale industries and colleges have been a relief, but not enough to eliminate the fear of stigma which is still prevalent. This paper focuses on the importance of clinical psychology and psychological applications in forensic set ups with emergence and significance of Clinical Forensic Psychology.

 Keywords

Clinical psychology, Forensic Psychology, Crime, Mental illness, Forensic Neuroscience.

 DOI