Character and fitness requirements for professional psychologists: Are there any?

Abstract

Should the profession of psychology more carefully and intentionally evaluate the moral character and personal fitness of applicants for graduate school admission and state licensure? Although lawyer applicants for bar admission have been screened on the basis of character and fitness for nearly 50 years, professional psychology devotes only cursory attention to such standards. The purpose of this article is to use the legal profession's approach to character and fitness screening as an exemplar for professional psychology. The authors recommend development of national standards that are based on the essential characteristics of practicing psychologists and offer a preliminary list of minimal character and fitness requirements. By collaboratively and proactively working to ensure high character and fitness standards, graduate programs and licensing boards will simultaneously protect consumers and the public image of psychology.