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Training in geropsychology at the doctoral level: 1984
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|March 1, 1986
Summary
Training in geropsychology for doctoral psychology students saw minimal growth by 1984. Opportunities for clinical and counseling psychology students in geropsychology remained limited, with little change from earlier surveys.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Medical Training
Background:
- Geropsychology training is crucial for addressing the mental health needs of an aging population.
- Understanding the availability of specialized geropsychology training in doctoral psychology programs is essential for workforce development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the type and extent of geropsychology training offered in American Psychological Association (APA)-approved doctoral programs in clinical and counseling psychology.
- To compare the 1984 training landscape with data from a previous survey conducted in 1975-76.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed in 1984 to all APA-approved doctoral programs in clinical and counseling psychology.
- Response rates were 59% for clinical programs (71/132) and 73% for counseling programs (27/37).
Main Results:
- Minimal differences were observed between clinical and counseling psychology programs regarding geropsychology training.
- The 1984 survey indicated only a very slight increase in geropsychology training opportunities compared to the 1975-76 survey.
Conclusions:
- Doctoral-level training in geropsychology remained limited in 1984.
- There was a need for expanded geropsychology training to meet the growing demand for services for older adults.