This research of Micha van de Vorst focuses on the psychometric properties of psychological assessment tools for the Southern Caribbean islands, specifically for Papiamento-speaking populations. Several forensic-relevant tests were translated and validated. A test that measures general intelligence and a test that evaluates functional impairments were adapted for use in Papiamento with suspects in Curaçao and Bonaire. The results showed sufficient reliability and validity, with some challenges such as low scores on certain subtests due to cultural and linguistic differences.
Additionally, a non-verbal test for abstract reasoning and general intelligence was validated for Caribbean-Dutch suspects. This test proved effective in detecting intellectual disabilities. Moreover, a test measuring hostility was validated among Curaçaoan suspects, showing similar reliability and validity to the Dutch version.
The study also addresses the translation of a personality questionnaire, which measured personality dimensions such as Inadequacy and Social Inadequacy. This test was largely valid, though some subscales, like Self-Sufficiency, were less reliable.
Furthermore, the study examined how social exclusion and acculturation affect psychotic symptoms and criminality among Caribbean immigrants in Rotterdam. Women were found to be particularly sensitive to negative self-perception. Finally, the age-crime curve for Caribbean women was analyzed, revealing that the peak of criminal activity for women in the Netherlands occurs earlier than for women in Aruba and Curaçao.
