Neuropsychology in counseling psychology programs: exploration of self-efficacy and training programs

Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only.Counseling Psychology has transitioned from a science and practice that focused on vocational work, to broad field with professionals working in diverse settings, conducting research in a wide range of areas, and fulfilling a variety of clinical roles (Heppner et al., 2000; Neimeyer et al., 2011). One particular change over time has been counseling psychologists’ increased involvement in neuroscience and neuropsychology (Goss, 2014; Perrone & Schoener, 2021). Counseling psychologists have been involved in psychological and neuropsychological assessment for years (Litchenberg et al., 2018), but research has documented a more recent influx of counseling psychologists obtaining specialty training and practicing neuropsychology (Goss, 2016; Taylor et al., 2019). Despite these findings, there is a paucity of recent research specifically examining trainee neuropsychology interest, perceptions of training opportunities, and self-efficacy within neuropsychology. Such research is necessary to provide insight into neuropsychology training needs for counseling psychology programs. Past research has suggested that counseling psychology programs are less effective at preparing trainees for neuropsychological practice due to limited course offerings or available clinical opportunities (Larson & Agresti, 1992; Norcross, 2000). As such, the current project included two studies that in combination serve as an update for and expansion of previous research examining neuropsychology training in counseling psychology programs. Specifically, Pilot Study included the development of a unique scale to measure trainee self-efficacy in neuropsychology competencies, and Main Study included the use of that scale to examine the relationship between trainee self-efficacy in neuropsychology competencies, interest in neuropsychology, and neuropsychology training opportunities available in counseling psychology programs.Thesis (Ph. D.