Reflections and Constructions on Current Forensic Psychology – A Study of Forensic Expert Opinions

Abstract

This study is the result of a research carried out at Tribunal de Justiça do Distrito Federal e Territórios – TJDFT with two psychologists who provide services to families in child custody cases. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of subjectivity in the production of expert opinions requested by judges. The study investigated the beliefs, social representations, gender issues and the emotional impact of the cases. A qualitative research methodology was employed, and interviews and sentence completion instruments were used in carrying out case study. As a result of the research we have the difficulty to be conclusive when pointing the decision for the case in respect to the singularity of the other person; the emotion, undoubtedly based on their own experiences related to gender issues, when the mother and woman’s role resurges during the services provided. From another perspective, the incessant reflection about their difficulties and the frequent search for the work team’s help minimize the influences on the case solutions. The subjectivity also makes the psychosocial study easier when it leads to an immediate recognition of the indicators brought by the families through the study.