Psychology and prevention of harrassement behaviors. Possession and use of firearms

Abstract

Ever since the 1920s, Spain has traditionally applied psychological knowledge to the prevention of haressment. In fact, one of its dimensions –professional driver selection- defined the first legally regulated
professional role of psychological intervention in Spain. It became a formal practice before an actual epistemic discipline even existed in the psychological scene. The story first featured psychotechnicians in public centres and then psychologists working in the private sector. It selection has been the link all along in the so-called “Spanish Model” of Preventive Assessment. To a great extent, the development of the model comes with the boom of Psychological Science in Spain. Current regulations on psycho-psysical accreditation for firearm and use possession or for private security guards oblige all candidates to go to approved Private Centres for their psychological and physical check-up. This paper describes the basics of the model, its main features and dimensions, as well as the instruments
accredited for assessment.