Professional issues related to rehabilitation psychology: A qualitative/quantitative analysis

This study examined the trends and critical issues that were central to the education and training of rehabilitation psychologists. This study was a two part research investigation incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research. The qualitative investigation included conducting interviews with seven prominent rehabilitation psychologists. Predetermined questions in a semi-structured interview format were asked to obtain opinions about important issues and concerns related to the field of rehabilitation psychology, the roles and functions, competencies, and issues they considered to be critical to rehabilitation psychology. The quantitative investigation involved development of a comprehensive list of rehabilitation issues and trends based on the results of the interviews and a thorough review of the current rehabilitation psychologist literature. A survey instrument, The Rehabilitation Psychology Opinion Survey (RPOS), was developed to survey the perception of the American Psychological Association Division 22 members. The response rate by Division 22 members was 52.7%.;Some findings were: the views of the rehabilitation experts were greatly diverse and complex. Despite the varied viewpoints, the majority of the rehabilitation psychology experts believe that Rehabilitation Psychology would best be served as a specialty in professional psychology. Conversely, Division 22 members view Rehabilitation Psychology as a special interest area within professional psychology. Additionally, Division 22 members highly endorsed consultation, psychotherapy/counseling, psychological assessment, and family therapy as a significant part of a rehabilitation's job. Division 22 members maintained that rehabilitation courses in Medical Aspects, Psychosocial Aspects, and Vocational Aspects of Disability should be included in the training curriculum for rehabilitation psychologists.