Training experiences and theoretical orientations of pediatric psychologists.
OBJECTIVE
To reexamine members of the Society of Pediatric Psychology (SPP) to document trends in training experiences of individuals who identify themselves as pediatric psychologists.


METHODS
Using the 1999 SPP membership list, we asked respondents to complete a survey describing their degree status, theoretical orientation of graduate program, type of internship/fellowship, current employment setting, and orientation to assessment and treatment of pediatric problems.


RESULTS
The majority of the respondents matriculated from doctoral programs in the last two decades. Compared to a previous survey (Mullins, Harbeck-Weber, Olson, & Hartman, 1996), this survey had a higher percentage of respondents who completed accredited predoctoral or postdoctoral training in pediatric psychology. Over half of the respondents were primarily employed in medical centers or academic institutions; fewer respondents reported working in private practice settings than in the previous survey 10 years ago. Respondents' current orientation was most often described as cognitive-behavioral. In this survey, the percentage of respondents endorsing an eclectic orientation was lower; the percentage endorsing cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, and systems orientations increased.


CONCLUSIONS
We discuss implications of these findings as they relate to training and practice in pediatric psychology.
Mullins
Larry L
LL
Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74278, USA. lmullin@okstate.edu
Hartman
Valerie L
VL
Chaney
John M
JM
Balderson
Benjamin H K
BH
Hoff
Ahna L
AL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D004500:Education, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000458:organization & administration; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011582:Psychological Theory; D002666:Psychology, Child / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching