Class Criminal Psychology

Criminal Psychology is a branch of Forensic Psychology that is often seen to be the same as Forensic Psychology. However, they are distinct areas although they are complementary. In this CU we will explore these differences and the fields of action of Criminal Psychology in various contexts of action: crime prevention, criminal investigation, penitentiary spaces, and scientific investigation. The themes are current, appropriate to the Portuguese reality, and based on evidence. The functions of a psychologist at the service of this area will be analyzed and the debate on the prospective approaches of this area in our reality will be promoted. This UC has direct links to Forensic Psychology, Witness Psychology, Law, and other related areas.

Not applicable

S1. CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY: a. Definition and scope; b. Differentiation and articulation with forensic psychology; c. Functions of the criminal psychologist; d. Ethical considerations; e. Explanation of criminal behavior (theories, explanatory models and practical cases); S2. CRIMINAL CONTEXTS AND PROFILES: a. The victim-offender overlap; b. Criminal pathways throughout development; c. Social context and crime; S3. CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY IN PRISON SPACES: a.Evolution of the prison system; b. Prison as a total institution and open system; c. Prison architecture; d. Adaptation to prison and typologies of adaptation; e. Psychosocial effects of imprisonment; f. Psychological services in prisons; S4. CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY: FROM EVALUATION TO INTERVENTION: a. Psychopathology and criminal behavior; b. Assessment of the risk of criminal recidivism (general inventories and specific types); c. Psychological intervention in prisons; d. Group intervention programs

The curricular unit has a theoretical-practical nature (TP) and its main teaching method is oral exposition with the support of audio-visual materials. The contents will be taught by combining the expository method with exercises, interactive dialogue, and group discussion with teacher feedback. In addition to the moments of lecture on the syllabus, the emphasis will be on working in small groups, peer feedback, role-paly activities, among others. 

Andrews, D. A., & Bonta, J. (2010). The Psychology of Criminal Conduct. In The Psychology of Criminal Conduct. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjcrim.41.4.554 Bull, R., Cooke, C. A., Hatcher, R., Woodhams, J., & Grant, T. D. (2006). Criminal Psychology: A Beginners Guide. One World Oxford. Bull, R., Cooke, C., Hatcher, R., Woodhams, J., Bilby, C., & Grant, T. (2006). Criminal psychology: A beginner?s guide . Oneworld Publications. Durrant, R. (2018). An Introduction to Criminal Psychology. In An Introduction to Criminal Psychology. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315625041 Howitt, D. (2018). Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Psychology (6th ed.). Pearson. www.pearson.com/enhanced-ebooks Simões, M. R., Almeida, L. S., & Gonçalves, M. M. (2017) Psicologia Forense: Instrumentos de Avaliação. Pactor. (acresce-se bibliografia disponibilizada ao longo das aulas)