Expertise in the correctional setting: Comment on Neal (2018)

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Correctional Psychology

Background:

• Neal (2018) discussed distinctions between forensic and correctional psychology.
• A specialized postdoctoral training model for forensic psychology was proposed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue against the necessity of specialized postdoctoral training for correctional psychologists.
• To propose generalist training in applied psychology as a superior model.

Main Methods:

• Critique of Neal's (2018) proposed training model.
• Elucidation of three key reasons supporting generalist training.

Main Results:

• Specialized training is not required for correctional psychology development.
• Generalist training in applied psychology is a more appropriate model.
• Reasons include lack of specialized scientific base, diverse population needs, and supervised practice.

Conclusions:

• Correctional psychology benefits from generalist training in applied settings.
• A developmental model emphasizing broad skills is more suitable than specialization.
• This approach better addresses the diverse needs of correctional psychology practice.