Malingering Psychology...
Lying is an art, one that Aaron, accused of butchering an archbishop in the movie Primal Fear, perfected. Played by Edward Norton, this character masterfully faked two identities, one named Roy who actually did the killing, and the other - shy, docile Aaron - who couldn't imagine anyone committing such a heinous act.
Early in the movie, a neuropsychologist hired to evaluate Aaron explains possible reasons for Aaron's amnesia or bouts of "losing time." Played by Frances McDormand, she tells Aaron's defense attorney, "Major causes of amnesia are substance abuse, seizures, head injuries, and malingering."
McDormand raises the possibility that Aaron could be feigning mental illness, or malingering, but when she actually witnesses Aaron transform into an abusive, aggressive person named Roy, she becomes convinced that he has multiple personality disorder. In the real world, a well trained forensic psychologist hired by a high powered defense attorney, here played by Richard Gere, would have given Aaron a series of evaluations and assessments before concluding, without a doubt, that he had two personalities - only one of which was capable of murder.
Forensic Psychology Links
Those working in the Forensic Psychology Field must have expertise in identifying malingering in both criminal and civil court cases. This concept is defined as the intentional production of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms; in other words, it is deceptive behavior that is motivated by external incentives.
In the movie, Aaron gains a great deal through malingering. He does not have to face jail or the death penalty, but instead is sent to a mental health facility. In real-life court cases today, judges and attorneys deal with suspected malingerers who desire to avoid military duty, or work, seek financial gain or drugs in addition to those evading criminal prosecution, prison and the death penalty.
Forensic psychologists use a number of proven evaluations and assessments to uncover suspected malingering. They also review clinical histories and medical records, and they gather information by questioning family members, friends or coworkers.
David B. Freeman is a neuropsychologist, qualified medical examiner and clinical director of Cal Psych, FMT, located in Encino, Calif. He writes in an academic journal article that a careful review of medical records is an important step that forensic psychologists should not overlook. Freeman has conducted over 500 medical-legal psychiatric examinations and neuropsychological assessments.
In his article "Assessment of Malingering and Deception in Psychiatric Disorders," Freeman uses Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to explain the advantages of such an examination: "For example, a psychologist may evaluate a patient 2 years after an alleged trauma in which the patient is claiming PTSD. The patient may be reporting flashbacks and nightmares. A review of the medical record, particularly in the first 1 to 6 months post injury, may indicate that the patient denied experiencing these symptoms. This would raise serious questions about the validity of the current symptoms, at least in relation to the original injury."
Freeman also describes the established psychological evaluations that have been used for decades, but adds that researchers continue to develop additional valuable diagnostic measures to identify individuals who feign psychiatric disorders. He emphasizes that integrating test results with the findings from medical records are essential steps in pinpointing malingering.
If only McDormand had known or been better skilled in forensic psychology, Aaron would have received a just sentence. But then the audience would have missed out on a great Hollywood ending. Norton played both Aaron and his fractured counterpart Roy so well that the audience believed him along with his own defense attorney, the judge and the prosecutor. It was only after Gere won the case by proving that Aaron, or Roy, had two personalities that we discover Norton's artful performance. Winning, Gere realizes at the end, has its drawbacks.
Find out how you can become involved in a forensic psychology field, request information from schools offering Master's programs in Forensic Psychology. Also, learn more about the psychology career licensing processes and what the requirements for licensure are: Psychology Career Licensure.