Department of Psychology

Studies

• PhD Candidate in Forensic Psychology. Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Crete (February 2021- Present).
• Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Psychology. Faculty of Medical Science, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (2015-2016).
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology. Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Crete (2009–2015).

Doctoral Thesis Title

“The Psychology of Confession”: How does the interrogation process in Greece affect the suspect’s decision to confess?

Brief Description

The main objective of the present study is to explore how the pre-interrogation practices in the Greek Justice System affect the suspect’s decision-making process, eventually, leading up to a confession. In particular, a qualitative design will be employed in order to examine the social interaction between the suspect and the interrogator, the interrogation tactics and techniques being employed by the police, the situational and custodial factors and, finally, the psycho-emotional impact of this process on the suspect. This research aims at developing a theoretical framework that will scientifically inform and update the current interrogation practices, in accordance with the international human rights law.

Supervisors

• Olga Themeli (Supervisor), Associate Professor of Criminological Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Crete.
• Theodoros Giovazolias (Co-Supervisor), Professor of Counselling Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Crete.
• Georgios Tsiolis (Co-Supervisor), Professor of Research Methodology in Social Sciences – Qualitative Research Methods, Department of Sociology, University of Crete.

Conference Presentations

• Karani, I. (2016). Domestic violence: Development and maintenance of the cycle of victimization. 7^th Panhellenic Conference in Counselling Psychology, University of Thessaly, Volos, November 2018 [in Greek].