Abstract Book of the 8th International Conference on Research in Social Sciences and Humanities
Year: 2025
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Psychosocial Determinants of False Testimonies: The Role of Social Pressure and Cognitive Vulnerability
Prof. Dr. Mihaela Rus
ABSTRACT:
False testimony represents a critical challenge in criminal justice, not only as a legal infraction but also as a complex psychological and social phenomenon. This paper explores the multifaceted influence of social pressure and psychological factors on the emergence and persistence of false testimonies, particularly in high-stress legal environments. Drawing on empirical studies from forensic psychology, the research highlights how conformity, obedience to authority, and groupthink can distort memory and judgment, leading witnesses or defendants to provide inaccurate or fabricated accounts. Furthermore, psychological vulnerabilities such as suggestibility, cognitive dissonance, anxiety, and traumatic experiences may significantly increase susceptibility to external influence during interrogation or testimony.
The paper also addresses the interplay between systemic pressures—such as prolonged trials, adversarial questioning, and coercive interviewing techniques—and individual psychological dynamics that shape testimonial accuracy. Special attention is given to vulnerable populations, including minors, individuals with cognitive impairments, and those with heightened dependency on authority figures, for whom the risk of false statements is particularly acute. Through a critical review of recent case studies and experimental data, the study argues for the implementation of protective legal mechanisms and trauma-informed procedures to safeguard the reliability of testimonies. The findings support a multidisciplinary approach, integrating legal reform, psychological screening, and specialized training for legal professionals.
Ultimately, the paper underscores that false testimony cannot be understood in isolation from its psychological and social context, and that justice depends not only on legal evidence but on the cognitive integrity and autonomy of those who testify.
Keywords: false testimony, social pressure, suggestibility, forensic psychology, legal reliability