Counseling Psychologists' Uses of and Opinions about Psychological Tests

Abstract

Since counseling psychology's inception, psychological testing has traditionally been considered an integral aspect of the specialty. However, contemporary information on the testing practices of counseling psychologists is quite limited. In an effort to gather current information about counseling psychologists 'uses of and opinions about psychological tests, we sent a five-page questionnaire to 1,000 members of Division 17 (Counseling). The questionnaire assessed information on four variables: personal and professional characteristics, opinions about test usage, recommended tests to include in graduate training, and current test usage. Approximately 70%0 of the sample returned questionnaires, with 63% of them being usable. Information about the four variables evaluated by the questionnaire is presented, and implications of the psychological test data in regard to training and practice in counseling psychology are considered.