Gesell chamber, what it is used for in psychology

The Gesell camera is an instrument used by different areas of psychology, reducing to a minimum the influence of the observer on the development of the observed situation. In this article we tell you why it is so useful.

Each science needs methods and instruments for its advancement, learning, practice and research. Psychology is no less. Perhaps tests are the most recognizable instruments in this discipline. However, there are others, such as the Gesell camera.

Some may not know what we are talking about, although they may have seen it at some point without being able to identify it. For example, think about those movies in which a criminal is interrogated. It is a room that is adapted to observe people through two environments separated by a glass that is opaque from one side.

In addition, they are often equipped with a sound and video system for recording. But, What are they for in psychology? In what areas of psychology are they used? Do they have limitations? We will answer these questions throughout this article.

Gesell chamber, what is it for in psychology?

The Gesell camera was born thanks to Arnold Gesell, an American psychologist and pediatrician who did not want the presence of an observer to influence the behavior of children in his studies. His disposition makes it possible to see other people’s behavior through the glass. This facilitates:

The investigation. To explore cases, and perform experiments.Teaching. It allows students to be shown how they should act in a case.The learning. So that students learn to intervene, with support from the teacher or other students.Judicial proceedings. To investigate criminal cases.The diagnosis. It can be part of clinical practice, for example, when the psychotherapist needs supervision.The training. So that professionals can be supervised.

Both real cases and simulations can be observed. That will depend on the purpose of the activity to be carried out. In any case, Gesell’s camera would be for psychologists an instrument that allows the exploration of one or more subjects in terms of their behavioral, cognitive and emotional world without the presence of the viewer influencing what is observed.

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Besides, Thanks to the audio and video system, the sessions can be recorded. This is useful for learning and research. This way, you can have details that otherwise might have been overlooked.

In what areas of psychology is it used?

The use of the Gesell chamber will depend on the area in which it is applied. Let’s look at some in which it is usually an instrument:

Clinical psychology. It is used to observe cases. Thus, there may be feedback from various professionals. It is mainly used for diagnosis and clinical interview.Social area. For various experiments in which the subject and his interaction with the group are evaluated.Forensic psychology. It is mainly used to explore cases that are related to a crime. Either to evaluate who is believed to be the criminal, or to do so with the victim or possible witnesses.Training of psychologists. So that people who are training in this discipline learn how to practice it. They can learn as much by watching a professional as by watching their colleagues, or even by intervening and receiving feedback.

Besides, It is a very valuable instrument for psychotherapeutic supervision. Through the Gesell Chamber, the psychologist can be with his patient while the interaction is evaluated by a group of professionals. In this way, you obtain an orientation or evaluation of the session or process.

Limitations of the Gesell Chamber

Although it is an instrument that provides great benefits, it also has limitations. Let’s see them:

Informed consent. Any procedure performed must have the approval of the person being observed. This guarantees confidentiality and comprehensive protection of the person.Not appropriate for a long psychotherapeutic process. The fact that people know that they can be observed is a variable that can prevent an environment of confidentiality from being established that reinforces the bond between the psychotherapist and the patient.

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Now, these limitations do not prevent it from being a valuable instrument for psychology. In fact, there is research that demonstrates its usefulness. For example, in the article “Usefulness of the Gesell camera in the development of the professional skills of the Psychologist at the Machala Technical University” it is explained how theoretical knowledge can be integrated with practical knowledge through the use of the Gesell camera, which is useful for the psychologist in training to acquire skills that will help him in his professional work.

In the article written by the Honduran lawyer Gina María Sierra Zelaya, called “Gesell Chamber as an investigative tool in the sexual abuse of children,” we can see the importance of this instrument, especially in the case of people who have suffered abuse; It is a way that they are not exposed to the accused and the suspects, since this could alter their testimony, in addition to causing emotional instability.

In sum, The Gesell camera is a wonderful instrument for both training and research. Depending on its use, its virtues vary. In psychology, it facilitates the exploration of the patient or subject to be evaluated, in addition to monitoring, supervision and learning.