Experts slam ‘misuse’ of Sereno psych test results in impeach proceedings

A group of psychologists on Friday condemned the "unethical practice" of misusing supposedly confidential psychological information, apparently in reaction to lawmakers' questioning of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno's psychological fitness for the job.

In a statement, the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) said any psychological assessment should only be used for the purpose it was intended for and not for "damaging a person's character."

"To use a psychological assessment conducted in 2012 (which was for the purpose of Chief Justice Sereno's appointment) for the current legislative proceedings is a misuse of those results," it said.

While it claimed it was neither favoring nor opposing issues involving Sereno, the PAP said it "condemn[s] the unethical practice of using confidential psychological information for purposes of discrediting or damaging a person's character."

"Even if psychological test results become public documents, this does not grant permission for anybody to use it for any purpose other than its original intent," it said.

In his impeachment complaint against Sereno, lawyer Lorenzo Gadon alleged that Sereno is "unfit" for the position she was appointed to in 2012 because she scored a "4" in a psychological test that was part of the application.

The score was confirmed by a former Supreme Court clerk of court, but the Judicial and Bar Council has maintained that Sereno's psychiatric records are "strictly confidential."

No one "passes" or "fails" a psychological assessment, the PAP said. Statements that allege the top magistrate "failed" her psychological evaluation are then "misleading."

"Instead, a psychologist recommends a person to a position after the assessment indicates that he/she possesses the characteristics that fit the demands of the given position," the group said.

It also argued that "good practices" on psychological assessments involve the application of a combination of methods, such as interview, observation, standardized norm-referenced tests, and relevant informal tools.

Using only one or two of these, it said, is "inadequate."

"If a psychologist bases his/her assessment on only one of these methods, or from second-hand reports, then conclusions about 'mental disturbance' based on alleged symptoms that indicate such a condition are misleading, if not inaccurate," PAP said.

And while psychological tests are developed and applied through scientific methods, "they are not perfectly accurate," the group also pointed out.

"Actual behaviors and performance are more valid than what psychological assessments may predict," it added.

The PAP said it "reject[s] recent narratives that directly or indirectly use psychological assessments to stigmatize those with mental or psychological conditions."

After holding over a dozen hearings where even some Supreme Court justices testified against Sereno, the House justice committee is set to vote on whether or not Gadon's impeachment complaint has probable cause next week.

Sereno is on indefinite leave as, according to her, she prepares for her legal defense at a possible Senate trial. —KBK, GMA News