Mercedes Hernandez Nunez Polo
A LA PAR, Spain
Title: Assessing psychological damage in people with intellectual disabilities after a traumatic event
Biography
Biography: Mercedes Hernandez Nunez Polo
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: The assessment of psychological damage resulting from traumatic events is a complex process and is difficult for forensic psychologists to establish the presence or absence of a criminal act attending to the alleged victim’s psychological state. As a part of their intervention, experts must evaluate the psychological damage in order to argue the possibility that a crime has taken place and make an appropriate prospecting regarding the clinical evolution of the victims. Since there are no validated scales in Spain which evaluates traumatic symptomathology in people with intellectual disabilities (ID), The Victims Support Unity for People with ID (Madrid, Spain) is currently validating the Spanish version of what would complete a traumatic symptomathology battery assessment within this population and will afterwards analyze the type and frequency of the symptoms (anxiety, depression and PTSD) depending on the traumatic event.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: 120 people with ID (older18) and their main carers have been interviewed through a traumatic symptomatology battery. The inter-rater and test retest rehabilitees are being analyzed and the symptomatology frequency associated to each of the different traumatic events will be measured.
Findings: The main research hypothesis considered are, those scales under validation process which will adequately assess the symptomatology previously mentioned within Spanish population with ID. Additionally, we expect to find higher scores in PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) when being victims of sexual abuse, intimidation or threats.
Conclusion & Significance: The Spanish validation of this traumatic symptomatology battery within the population with ID will be a valuable resource for forensic experts when exploring the victims’ psychological damage and will make experts decision making easier.