Prediction of negative behaviors among university students and their relationship with academic variables of interest
Authorship
L.A.G.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
L.A.G.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
Defense date
07.11.2025 12:30
07.11.2025 12:30
Summary
Traditionally, studies on negative behaviors among students have focused on primary and secondary education. This article presents the results of a study conducted with university students, specifically students in the Labor Relations program at the University of Santiago de Compostela. In order to gain a better understanding of negative behaviors, the frecuency which 217 students reported experiencing them was analyzed. Two personality factors (emotional stability and extroversion) and academic satisfaction and performance were also analyzed, with the aim of establishing a relationship between negative behaviors and these variables. It is concluded that, in the university setting, the behaviors most frequently experienced by students are those within the “Contempt and Ridicule” dimension. Regarding predictors, the students’ academic year and their emotional stability significantly predict the experience of negative behaviors. Furthermore, we can affirm that negative behaviors influence academic satisfaction, although the results regarding performance are inconsistent.
Traditionally, studies on negative behaviors among students have focused on primary and secondary education. This article presents the results of a study conducted with university students, specifically students in the Labor Relations program at the University of Santiago de Compostela. In order to gain a better understanding of negative behaviors, the frecuency which 217 students reported experiencing them was analyzed. Two personality factors (emotional stability and extroversion) and academic satisfaction and performance were also analyzed, with the aim of establishing a relationship between negative behaviors and these variables. It is concluded that, in the university setting, the behaviors most frequently experienced by students are those within the “Contempt and Ridicule” dimension. Regarding predictors, the students’ academic year and their emotional stability significantly predict the experience of negative behaviors. Furthermore, we can affirm that negative behaviors influence academic satisfaction, although the results regarding performance are inconsistent.
Direction
SALGADO VELO, JESUS FERNANDO (Tutorships)
CUADRADO GONZALEZ, DAMARIS (Co-tutorships)
SALGADO VELO, JESUS FERNANDO (Tutorships)
CUADRADO GONZALEZ, DAMARIS (Co-tutorships)
Court
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
LADO CAMPELO, MARIO ANTONIO (Member)
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
LADO CAMPELO, MARIO ANTONIO (Member)
Forensic Psychological Evaluation Of Criminal Responsibility And Imputability: A Case Study.
Authorship
C.B.M.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
C.B.M.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
Defense date
07.11.2025 09:30
07.11.2025 09:30
Summary
Master's Thesis in the form of a Case Study with the theme of diminished criminal responsibility or imputability. It will be divided into two parts; a theoretical part, in which we will focus on the Spanish legal framework, the different definitions of criminal responsibility and imputability and those disorders that disqualify it and the forensic tests necessary to carry out an evaluation in this area, following the Protocol of Arce and Fariña (2007). In the second part, a methodological approach to forensic psychology will be presented by means of a simulated case study in which all the instruments and tools required to carry out a successful assessment in the field of criminal responsibility will be addressed in a practical way, the results will be calculated and the appropriate conclusions will be drawn for this type of case.
Master's Thesis in the form of a Case Study with the theme of diminished criminal responsibility or imputability. It will be divided into two parts; a theoretical part, in which we will focus on the Spanish legal framework, the different definitions of criminal responsibility and imputability and those disorders that disqualify it and the forensic tests necessary to carry out an evaluation in this area, following the Protocol of Arce and Fariña (2007). In the second part, a methodological approach to forensic psychology will be presented by means of a simulated case study in which all the instruments and tools required to carry out a successful assessment in the field of criminal responsibility will be addressed in a practical way, the results will be calculated and the appropriate conclusions will be drawn for this type of case.
Direction
VILARIÑO VAZQUEZ, MANUEL (Tutorships)
VILARIÑO VAZQUEZ, MANUEL (Tutorships)
Court
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
Leirós Lobeiras, Luz Isabel (Member)
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
Leirós Lobeiras, Luz Isabel (Member)
Relationship of work stress to performance and work-life balance in the service sector
Authorship
S.B.P.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
S.B.P.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
Defense date
07.11.2025 12:30
07.11.2025 12:30
Summary
The main objective of this research is to explore the level of work stress experienced in a sample of workers between 20 and 60 years of age in the tertiary or service sector, as well as to study the relationship of work stress with performance and work-family reconciliation/balance. The study involved 100 workers who were administered the Work Stress Questionnaire (CEL), the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ) and the Survey Work-Home Interaction-Nijmegen (SWING). The results showed that 17 of the participants presented high stress and 30 moderate stress; as well as the relationship between work stress and performance, highlighting the influence of physiological stress and stressors with counterproductive behavior, and total work stress with this and with contextual performance. Regarding the relationship between job stress and work-family reconciliation, it has been found that both FTI and negative TFI are directly and positively related to the stress subscales. Likewise, positive TFI produces a decrease in psychological stress in individuals. Significant differences were also found in work stress and performance with higher values in women and in positive work-family reconciliation in men. With respect to age, differences in counterproductive behavior were found in young people. Finally, the importance of work stress and the limitations of the study are highlighted.
The main objective of this research is to explore the level of work stress experienced in a sample of workers between 20 and 60 years of age in the tertiary or service sector, as well as to study the relationship of work stress with performance and work-family reconciliation/balance. The study involved 100 workers who were administered the Work Stress Questionnaire (CEL), the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ) and the Survey Work-Home Interaction-Nijmegen (SWING). The results showed that 17 of the participants presented high stress and 30 moderate stress; as well as the relationship between work stress and performance, highlighting the influence of physiological stress and stressors with counterproductive behavior, and total work stress with this and with contextual performance. Regarding the relationship between job stress and work-family reconciliation, it has been found that both FTI and negative TFI are directly and positively related to the stress subscales. Likewise, positive TFI produces a decrease in psychological stress in individuals. Significant differences were also found in work stress and performance with higher values in women and in positive work-family reconciliation in men. With respect to age, differences in counterproductive behavior were found in young people. Finally, the importance of work stress and the limitations of the study are highlighted.
Direction
MOSCOSO RUIBAL, SILVIA (Tutorships)
MOSCOSO RUIBAL, SILVIA (Tutorships)
Court
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
LADO CAMPELO, MARIO ANTONIO (Member)
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
LADO CAMPELO, MARIO ANTONIO (Member)
Relationship between Dark Triad traits and aggression in adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authorship
M.B.C.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
M.B.C.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
Defense date
07.11.2025 09:30
07.11.2025 09:30
Summary
The relationship between Dark Triad traits (psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism) and aggression has generated great interest in the current literature, although the empirical findings still present some heterogeneity. The main objective of this review is to analyze and synthesize the available scientific evidence on the association between the Dark Triad traits and aggressive behavior in the adult population, as well as to establish the predictive strength of each of them. To this end, a systematic review and a bare-bones meta-analysis were carried out following the PRISMA 2020 protocol. The search carried out in the PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science databases yielded a total of 18 independent studies with a final sample of 6,393 participants. The results confirm a positive and significant correlation between three traits and aggression. Also, a hierarchy in the magnitude of associations was observed, with psychopathy presenting the strongest relationship (p = .47), followed by Machiavellianism (p = .35) and, finally, narcissism (p = .29). The findings reinforce the validity of the Dark Triad construct and consolidate psychopathy as a central predictor of aggressive behavior. These findings have practical implications relevant to the legal-forensic field, especially in violence risk assessment, differential diagnosis, and intervention design.
The relationship between Dark Triad traits (psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism) and aggression has generated great interest in the current literature, although the empirical findings still present some heterogeneity. The main objective of this review is to analyze and synthesize the available scientific evidence on the association between the Dark Triad traits and aggressive behavior in the adult population, as well as to establish the predictive strength of each of them. To this end, a systematic review and a bare-bones meta-analysis were carried out following the PRISMA 2020 protocol. The search carried out in the PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science databases yielded a total of 18 independent studies with a final sample of 6,393 participants. The results confirm a positive and significant correlation between three traits and aggression. Also, a hierarchy in the magnitude of associations was observed, with psychopathy presenting the strongest relationship (p = .47), followed by Machiavellianism (p = .35) and, finally, narcissism (p = .29). The findings reinforce the validity of the Dark Triad construct and consolidate psychopathy as a central predictor of aggressive behavior. These findings have practical implications relevant to the legal-forensic field, especially in violence risk assessment, differential diagnosis, and intervention design.
Direction
SALGADO VELO, JESUS FERNANDO (Tutorships)
SALGADO VELO, JESUS FERNANDO (Tutorships)
Court
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
Leirós Lobeiras, Luz Isabel (Member)
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
Leirós Lobeiras, Luz Isabel (Member)
Master's thesis: Specialty in Legal-Forensic Psychology
Authorship
I.D.D.R.D.D.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
I.D.D.R.D.D.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
Defense date
07.11.2025 12:30
07.11.2025 12:30
Summary
This Master's Thesis analyzes motherhood in Spanish prisons from a critical, legal, and psychosocial persp0ective. Based on a narrative literature review, it examines the livingconditions of incarcerated mothers and their children, the applicable legal framework, and the main structural shortcomings of the penitentiary system. The analysis underscores the tension between the State’s punitive function and the best interests of the child, as well as the limited implementation of international instruments such as the Bangkok Rules. The study highlights the lack of resources, insufficient specialized personnel, and the absence of public policies with a gender- and child-sensitive approach. It concludes by proposing improvements in legal reform, psychosocial intervention, prison staff training, and the promotion of non-custodial alternatives. The findings emphasize the urgent need to reconsider motherhood in prison from a rights-based and child-centered perspective.
This Master's Thesis analyzes motherhood in Spanish prisons from a critical, legal, and psychosocial persp0ective. Based on a narrative literature review, it examines the livingconditions of incarcerated mothers and their children, the applicable legal framework, and the main structural shortcomings of the penitentiary system. The analysis underscores the tension between the State’s punitive function and the best interests of the child, as well as the limited implementation of international instruments such as the Bangkok Rules. The study highlights the lack of resources, insufficient specialized personnel, and the absence of public policies with a gender- and child-sensitive approach. It concludes by proposing improvements in legal reform, psychosocial intervention, prison staff training, and the promotion of non-custodial alternatives. The findings emphasize the urgent need to reconsider motherhood in prison from a rights-based and child-centered perspective.
Direction
Leirós Lobeiras, Luz Isabel (Tutorships)
Leirós Lobeiras, Luz Isabel (Tutorships)
Court
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
LADO CAMPELO, MARIO ANTONIO (Member)
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
LADO CAMPELO, MARIO ANTONIO (Member)
Impact of burnout syndrome on work performance in nurses: a study in the province of Badajoz
Authorship
M.D.S.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
M.D.S.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
Defense date
07.11.2025 12:30
07.11.2025 12:30
Summary
The aim of this study is to analyze burnout syndrome in nursing professionals in the province of Badajoz and its relationship with organizational criteria of interest, specifically with job performance. Using cross-sectional design and self-report questionnaires, data were collected from a sample of 94 professionals on burnout and its dimensions (emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy) as well as their individual performance (task, contextual, counterproductive, and innovative) among other variables. The results reveal high levels of burnout in part of the sample, particularly in the dimensions of exhaustion and cynicism. Negative correlations were also observed between low efficacy and contextual performance, suggesting an impact of burnout on work quality. Additionally, higher levels of burnout were identified in larger healthcare facilities. These findings highlight the need to implement organizational measures for prevention and psychological support aimed at improving the well-being of nursing staff.
The aim of this study is to analyze burnout syndrome in nursing professionals in the province of Badajoz and its relationship with organizational criteria of interest, specifically with job performance. Using cross-sectional design and self-report questionnaires, data were collected from a sample of 94 professionals on burnout and its dimensions (emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy) as well as their individual performance (task, contextual, counterproductive, and innovative) among other variables. The results reveal high levels of burnout in part of the sample, particularly in the dimensions of exhaustion and cynicism. Negative correlations were also observed between low efficacy and contextual performance, suggesting an impact of burnout on work quality. Additionally, higher levels of burnout were identified in larger healthcare facilities. These findings highlight the need to implement organizational measures for prevention and psychological support aimed at improving the well-being of nursing staff.
Direction
CUADRADO GONZALEZ, DAMARIS (Tutorships)
CUADRADO GONZALEZ, DAMARIS (Tutorships)
Court
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
LADO CAMPELO, MARIO ANTONIO (Member)
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
LADO CAMPELO, MARIO ANTONIO (Member)
Psychosocial risk factors and emotional exhaustion: meta-analysis from a longitudinal perspective
Authorship
A.H.C.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
A.H.C.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
Defense date
07.11.2025 12:30
07.11.2025 12:30
Summary
Burnout, considered an occupational phenomenon, arises from prolonged exposure to psychosocial risk factors in the workplace. Its relevance has significantly increased in recent years, due to its negative consequences, physical, psychological, and occupational, that affect the working population, organizations, and society as a whole. One of the current limitations in addressing burnout research is the absence of a comprehensive and longitudinal approach. Within this framework, the primary objective of this study was to identify which psychosocial risk factors are associated with emotional exhaustion, the central dimension of burnout For this purpose, we conducted a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. The results demonstrated a significant, consistent, and stable relationship between different psychosocial risk factors and emotional exhaustion. Small to moderate effect sizes were obtained for eight of the nine risk factors examined, showing consistency with previous research. We also observed that certain psychosocial risk factors, such as autonomy and social support, have the capability to reduce emotional exhaustion and mitigate the impact of other risk factors on workers. Thus, efforts should focus on promoting these aspects in work environments. Our findings can guide initiatives and interventions aimed at improving organizational mental health, as well as promote the adoption of an integrated approach to workplace intervention and public policy development.
Burnout, considered an occupational phenomenon, arises from prolonged exposure to psychosocial risk factors in the workplace. Its relevance has significantly increased in recent years, due to its negative consequences, physical, psychological, and occupational, that affect the working population, organizations, and society as a whole. One of the current limitations in addressing burnout research is the absence of a comprehensive and longitudinal approach. Within this framework, the primary objective of this study was to identify which psychosocial risk factors are associated with emotional exhaustion, the central dimension of burnout For this purpose, we conducted a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. The results demonstrated a significant, consistent, and stable relationship between different psychosocial risk factors and emotional exhaustion. Small to moderate effect sizes were obtained for eight of the nine risk factors examined, showing consistency with previous research. We also observed that certain psychosocial risk factors, such as autonomy and social support, have the capability to reduce emotional exhaustion and mitigate the impact of other risk factors on workers. Thus, efforts should focus on promoting these aspects in work environments. Our findings can guide initiatives and interventions aimed at improving organizational mental health, as well as promote the adoption of an integrated approach to workplace intervention and public policy development.
Direction
Leirós Lobeiras, Luz Isabel (Tutorships)
Leirós Lobeiras, Luz Isabel (Tutorships)
Court
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
LADO CAMPELO, MARIO ANTONIO (Member)
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
LADO CAMPELO, MARIO ANTONIO (Member)
Effects of the gender composition of the court and the rapporteur on the severity of sentencing
Authorship
M.I.L.Q.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
M.I.L.Q.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
Defense date
07.11.2025 09:30
07.11.2025 09:30
Summary
Objective: analyse whether there are Differences in the sentences imposed in homicide cases according to the gender composition of the court and the rapporteur as a consequence of the presence of heuristics and cognitiva biases during the judicial process. For this purpose, the length of the custodial sentences Will be analysed. Method: the PRISMA (2020) statement was followed. The search terms were “homicide” and “consummated”. The search for information was carried out in the database of the General Council of the Judiciary (CENDOJ). The units of analysis were 40. Results: it was noted that there are Differences in the sentence imposed depending on whether the perpetrator is male or female and the type of homicide committed. Conclusions: female rapporteurs punish more severely persons convicted of committing homicide offences. The custodial sentences are higher when the homicide cases prosecuted are of a violent nature.
Objective: analyse whether there are Differences in the sentences imposed in homicide cases according to the gender composition of the court and the rapporteur as a consequence of the presence of heuristics and cognitiva biases during the judicial process. For this purpose, the length of the custodial sentences Will be analysed. Method: the PRISMA (2020) statement was followed. The search terms were “homicide” and “consummated”. The search for information was carried out in the database of the General Council of the Judiciary (CENDOJ). The units of analysis were 40. Results: it was noted that there are Differences in the sentence imposed depending on whether the perpetrator is male or female and the type of homicide committed. Conclusions: female rapporteurs punish more severely persons convicted of committing homicide offences. The custodial sentences are higher when the homicide cases prosecuted are of a violent nature.
Direction
SALGADO VELO, JESUS FERNANDO (Tutorships)
SALGADO VELO, JESUS FERNANDO (Tutorships)
Court
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
Leirós Lobeiras, Luz Isabel (Member)
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
Leirós Lobeiras, Luz Isabel (Member)
Substantial modification of working conditions: critical points.
Authorship
M.L.F.
Master in Labour Management (2ª ed)
M.L.F.
Master in Labour Management (2ª ed)
Defense date
02.17.2025 11:00
02.17.2025 11:00
Summary
The substantial modification of working conditions, regulated in Article 41 of the Workers' Statute, is a key instrument within Spanish labor law, designed to balance the need for organizational flexibility of companies with the protection of workers' rights. The main objective of this paper is to analyze this legal figure in depth, exploring its essential characteristics and the particularities of its practical application, as well as to reflect on its nature as a tool for internal flexibility and its impact on labor relations. This figure is approached through the study of the legislation in force and the regulatory framework established in the Workers' Statute, placing special emphasis on the legal requirements for its implementation, the justifying causes that must be met and the procedure to be followed by the companies, whether at an individual or collective level. Likewise, the analysis is complemented with a review of the most relevant case law, providing an empirical view of the conflicts arising from the application of these modifications.
The substantial modification of working conditions, regulated in Article 41 of the Workers' Statute, is a key instrument within Spanish labor law, designed to balance the need for organizational flexibility of companies with the protection of workers' rights. The main objective of this paper is to analyze this legal figure in depth, exploring its essential characteristics and the particularities of its practical application, as well as to reflect on its nature as a tool for internal flexibility and its impact on labor relations. This figure is approached through the study of the legislation in force and the regulatory framework established in the Workers' Statute, placing special emphasis on the legal requirements for its implementation, the justifying causes that must be met and the procedure to be followed by the companies, whether at an individual or collective level. Likewise, the analysis is complemented with a review of the most relevant case law, providing an empirical view of the conflicts arising from the application of these modifications.
Direction
MELLA MENDEZ, LOURDES (Tutorships)
MELLA MENDEZ, LOURDES (Tutorships)
Court
NIETO MONTERO, JUAN JOSE (Chairman)
TORRES GARCIA, BARBARA (Secretary)
GIL OTERO, LIDIA (Member)
NIETO MONTERO, JUAN JOSE (Chairman)
TORRES GARCIA, BARBARA (Secretary)
GIL OTERO, LIDIA (Member)
Judicial evaluation of psychological expert reports in the criminal field: Comparative analysis between party and judicial expert reports through sentences related to mental derangement in the Supreme Court.
Authorship
A.M.B.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
A.M.B.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
Defense date
07.11.2025 09:30
07.11.2025 09:30
Summary
This Master's Thesis focuses on the analysis of how psychological expert reports are assessed in criminal proceedings, with the aim of determining whether there is a significant difference depending on the origin of the report that is, whether it was prepared by a court appointed psychologist (judicial expert) or by a party appointed psychologist (engaged by the defense or the prosecution). The main hypothesis posits that courts tend to grant greater credibility, acceptance, and decisional weight to psychological reports issued by judicial experts, in comparison to those submitted by experts appointed by the parties. To test this, a documentary review and qualitative analysis was carried out on 26 rulings issued by the Spanish Supreme Court between 2015 and 2025. The search was conducted in the CENDOJ database using specific Boolean operators, applying inclusion criteria focused on criminal judgments that incorporated psychological expert reports. A structured coding system was developed, incorporating variables such as the origin of the report, the expert’s training, techniques used, areas evaluated, perceived neutrality, judicial acceptance, contradictions between reports, influence on the verdict, and type of offense. Of the total rulings analyzed, 17 included reports written by judicial experts and 9 by party appointed psychologists. The results reveal a systematic trend in favor of judicial reports, which are perceived as more technical, objective, and aligned with legal standards. These reports were accepted in all cases, with high influence on the judicial decision, while reports from party appointed experts were mostly rejected or given little consideration, and were associated with no impact on the sentence. The discussion of the findings confirms the hypothesis and situates this study within the broader debate on expert objectivity and the importance of the professional and methodological background of the evaluator. The study also explores the practical implications for forensic psychology, highlighting the need for specialized training and standardized evaluative methodologies to strengthen the legitimacy of psychological reports in court. Among the limitations of the study are the small sample size, the lack of independent double coding, and the exclusively qualitative approach. However, the study proposes future research lines that include expanding the analysis to other jurisdictions and combining qualitative analysis with quantitative methods. In conclusion, this work provides empirical evidence that the origin of the psychological expert report significantly influences its judicial evaluation and highlights the importance of ensuring strong technical and ethical standards in forensic psychological practice in order to safeguard the right to a fair trial
This Master's Thesis focuses on the analysis of how psychological expert reports are assessed in criminal proceedings, with the aim of determining whether there is a significant difference depending on the origin of the report that is, whether it was prepared by a court appointed psychologist (judicial expert) or by a party appointed psychologist (engaged by the defense or the prosecution). The main hypothesis posits that courts tend to grant greater credibility, acceptance, and decisional weight to psychological reports issued by judicial experts, in comparison to those submitted by experts appointed by the parties. To test this, a documentary review and qualitative analysis was carried out on 26 rulings issued by the Spanish Supreme Court between 2015 and 2025. The search was conducted in the CENDOJ database using specific Boolean operators, applying inclusion criteria focused on criminal judgments that incorporated psychological expert reports. A structured coding system was developed, incorporating variables such as the origin of the report, the expert’s training, techniques used, areas evaluated, perceived neutrality, judicial acceptance, contradictions between reports, influence on the verdict, and type of offense. Of the total rulings analyzed, 17 included reports written by judicial experts and 9 by party appointed psychologists. The results reveal a systematic trend in favor of judicial reports, which are perceived as more technical, objective, and aligned with legal standards. These reports were accepted in all cases, with high influence on the judicial decision, while reports from party appointed experts were mostly rejected or given little consideration, and were associated with no impact on the sentence. The discussion of the findings confirms the hypothesis and situates this study within the broader debate on expert objectivity and the importance of the professional and methodological background of the evaluator. The study also explores the practical implications for forensic psychology, highlighting the need for specialized training and standardized evaluative methodologies to strengthen the legitimacy of psychological reports in court. Among the limitations of the study are the small sample size, the lack of independent double coding, and the exclusively qualitative approach. However, the study proposes future research lines that include expanding the analysis to other jurisdictions and combining qualitative analysis with quantitative methods. In conclusion, this work provides empirical evidence that the origin of the psychological expert report significantly influences its judicial evaluation and highlights the importance of ensuring strong technical and ethical standards in forensic psychological practice in order to safeguard the right to a fair trial
Direction
SALGADO VELO, JESUS FERNANDO (Tutorships)
SALGADO VELO, JESUS FERNANDO (Tutorships)
Court
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
Leirós Lobeiras, Luz Isabel (Member)
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
Leirós Lobeiras, Luz Isabel (Member)
Comparative analysis of some of the two main personality psychometric instruments used in forensic psychology
Authorship
D.D.V.P.M.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
D.D.V.P.M.
Master in Work and Organizational Psychology and Forensic and Law Psychology
Defense date
07.11.2025 09:30
07.11.2025 09:30
Summary
Forensic psychology is closely linked to the administration of justice, which implies a high level of responsibility. Their practice requires methodological precision, given the importance of the judicial decisions in which they intervene. In the present work, a comparative study was made of the personality assessment instruments most commonly used in forensic practice. For this purpose, a review of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory MMPI and MMPI-2 was carried out. The Millon Multiaxial Personality Inventory MCMI-II and the Factor Personality Questionnaire 16PF-5. The results show that all the instruments meet the reliability and validity criteria required in the judicial context, however they present differences in terms of structure, purpose and sensitivity to detect distorted response patterns. The MMPI and especially the MMPI-2 stand out for the number of validity scales, being recommended in complex evaluations such as imputability, psychological imprint, among others. For its part, the MCMI-II offers a clinical approach focused on personality disorders, in line with the official DSM system, and is especially useful when there are indications of psychopathology, while the 16PF-5 is effective for the assessment of personality traits in the non-clinical population, especially in cases where high social desirability is expected. Finally, all of them can be used in older adolescents and in the adult population.
Forensic psychology is closely linked to the administration of justice, which implies a high level of responsibility. Their practice requires methodological precision, given the importance of the judicial decisions in which they intervene. In the present work, a comparative study was made of the personality assessment instruments most commonly used in forensic practice. For this purpose, a review of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory MMPI and MMPI-2 was carried out. The Millon Multiaxial Personality Inventory MCMI-II and the Factor Personality Questionnaire 16PF-5. The results show that all the instruments meet the reliability and validity criteria required in the judicial context, however they present differences in terms of structure, purpose and sensitivity to detect distorted response patterns. The MMPI and especially the MMPI-2 stand out for the number of validity scales, being recommended in complex evaluations such as imputability, psychological imprint, among others. For its part, the MCMI-II offers a clinical approach focused on personality disorders, in line with the official DSM system, and is especially useful when there are indications of psychopathology, while the 16PF-5 is effective for the assessment of personality traits in the non-clinical population, especially in cases where high social desirability is expected. Finally, all of them can be used in older adolescents and in the adult population.
Direction
SALGADO VELO, JESUS FERNANDO (Tutorships)
SALGADO VELO, JESUS FERNANDO (Tutorships)
Court
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
Leirós Lobeiras, Luz Isabel (Member)
Sobral Fernández, Jorge (Chairman)
MARTINEZ GOMEZ, ALEXANDRA (Secretary)
Leirós Lobeiras, Luz Isabel (Member)