Analysis of the concepts of “vulnerability” and “vulnerable groups of the population” in the forensic psychological assessment

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Context and relevance.</strong> The content and structure of the concept of "vulnerable population groups" are not defined for forensic psychological and psychiatric examination, as well as for psychology in general. Legal, economic and sociological approaches to the study of this concept determine its boundaries, criteria by which one can talk about the content.A scientific research review of domestic and foreign studies will reveal the definitions of "vulnerability" and "vulnerable population groups", as well as the possibilities of their application in forensic psychological retrospective and prognostic assessment. <strong>Goal.</strong> Analysis of the concepts of “vulnerability” and “vulnerable population groups” and the possibility of applying the concepts in forensic psychological assessment in complex forensic psychological and psychiatric examination. <strong>Theoretical approaches.</strong> The theoretical and methodological analysis is presented, including legal, economic, sociological and psychological approaches. The principles of forensic clinical and psychological expertise are used. <strong>Results.</strong> The criteria for the concept of "vulnerability" and "vulnerable groups of the population" were identified. In forensic psychological assessment, it is important not only to diagnose conscious regulation for a legally significant period, but also to study psychological vulnerability. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> In the forensic psychological assessment of deal-making capacity and legal capacity, the following are significant: psychological vulnerability to making a decision that entails financial and property losses; vulnerability to negative influence and fraud from another person when making a transaction; difficulties in social adaptation, the consequences of which may be deterioration of mental and somatic health and well-being, and a decrease in the quality of life. A promising direction for further research is the study of psychological mechanisms and the structure of psychological vulnerability of legally significant abilities.</p>