[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Testimony revealed that Jang, the adoptive mother accused of abusing and causing the death of 16-month-old adopted child Jeong-in, showed psychopathic tendencies in a psychological analysis test.
A, a psychological analyst from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, appeared as a witness at Jang's trial held on the 3rd at the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 13 (Presiding Judge Lee Sang-joo) and explained the clinical psychological evaluation results, stating, "In the related test, Jang scored 22 points, close to the 25 points that indicate a diagnosis of psychopathy." The clinical psychological evaluation is a technique that examines the subject's cognitive ability, psychological state, personality traits, presence of mental illness, and risk level of reoffending.
A said, "The evaluation showed that Jang's intelligence and judgment were good, but she exhibited a lack of empathy toward others," adding, "Considering her strong inner aggression and psychopathic tendencies, it was judged that there was a high possibility she stepped on or abused the child."
Furthermore, based on the results of psychophysiological tests and behavioral analysis, A also stated that Jang's statements denying intent to murder were not credible. Psychophysiological testing is a technique that infers the truthfulness of statements by detecting physiological responses that occur when a person lies, and behavioral analysis is a method that observes verbal and non-verbal behavioral changes of the declarant to determine whether they are lying.
Earlier, during the first trial of the adoptive parents, the prosecution requested a change in the indictment to include murder charges and submitted to the court an "Integrated Psychological Analysis Report" containing psychophysiological test results, behavioral analysis, and clinical psychological evaluation of Jang as evidence.
A testified, "We asked Jang whether she intentionally threw the child to the floor or stepped on her and analyzed her physiological responses," adding, "Jang answered 'I never did that,' but the test results indicated she was lying." A also said, "Regarding the external force applied to the child's abdomen, Jang said, 'I accidentally dropped her and performed CPR, but there was no other external force,' but behavioral analysis judged this statement to be not credible."
Jang was indicted for repeatedly assaulting and abusing her adopted daughter Jeong-in from June to October last year and for delivering a strong blow to Jeong-in's back on October 13, causing her death. She is also charged with emotionally abusing Jeong-in by leaving her alone at home or in the car 15 times between March and October last year, or forcefully pushing the stroller against the elevator wall. Her husband, Ahn, was also indicted without detention for knowing about Jang's abuse but failing to take any action.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
