Modeling the forecast for the development of forensic psychological expertise through the study of social representation

Forensic psychological expertise (FPE) in the Republic of Moldova is still in an early stage of integration into judicial procedures, facing significant challenges: the limited number of licensed experts accredited by the Ministry of Justice, the absence of a clear methodology, the lack of validated psychodiagnostic tools, and the absence of a regulatory law on the profession of psychologist. Nevertheless, the growing interest from professionals and legal actors involved in criminal and civil cases underscores the need for experimental approaches to support the development of FPE. This paper proposes the theory of social representation as a theoretical-methodological foundation for analyzing FPE at the socio-professional level. Given its integrative nature - addressing both social and individual dimensions - social representation helps clarify the "social status" of FPE in Moldova and serves as a basis for formulating development forecasts. Although still emerging in Moldova, FPE has established scientific foundations internationally, offering valuable practices and legal standards that can be adapted locally. Forecasting, like social representation, is context-sensitive and offers a dynamic model for understanding the evolution of complex phenomena. This paper presents a predictive model based on three core dimensions: cognitive (knowledge), affective-behavioral (attitudes and reactions), and structural (socio-cultural and legal-organizational context). The model provides an analytical framework for interpreting the current status of FPE and for identifying strategic directions that support its scientific and institutional consolidation.