Applications of Psychology to the Assessment of Refugees Seeking Political Asylum
APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW, 1992,41(1) 77-91
Adrianne Aron
ABSTRACT
Using the case of Salvadorans in the United States for illustration, this article discusses new developments in psychological practice that arise in response to the situation of refugees applying for political asylum. Persons seeking asylum must persuade representatives of a doubting or hostile government that their fear of persecution is well founded. This requires assessment of individuals’ credibility, as well as of their mental status. In those cases where the threat or fact of persecution in the homeland has existed, intervention of a psychologist may be the critical factor in guaranteeing a successful outcome for the asylum proceeding. The nature of this forensic role for psychologists is described.
APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW, 1992,41(1) 77-91
Adrianne Aron
ABSTRACT
Using the case of Salvadorans in the United States for illustration, this article discusses new developments in psychological practice that arise in response to the situation of refugees applying for political asylum. Persons seeking asylum must persuade representatives of a doubting or hostile government that their fear of persecution is well founded. This requires assessment of individuals’ credibility, as well as of their mental status. In those cases where the threat or fact of persecution in the homeland has existed, intervention of a psychologist may be the critical factor in guaranteeing a successful outcome for the asylum proceeding. The nature of this forensic role for psychologists is described.
