e-Article
Undergraduate college students' perceptions of psychologists
Document Type
Report
Author
Source
North American Journal of Psychology. June 1, 2012, Vol. 14 Issue 2, 371
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
1527-7143
Abstract
Attitudes represent a strong foundation for a person's perception of reality. The present study explored attitudes regarding mental health professionals and, more specifically, psychologists. Previous studies have focused on the [...]
We surveyed undergraduate students' perceptions of professional psychologists' characteristics as well as their competency. Overall, psychologists were viewed positively on dimensions surveyed and students perceived psychologists generally as being competent. Treating psychiatric disorders and conducting assessments were said to be among psychologists' overall strong suits. Confusion between psychologists and psychiatrists seemed to exist in students' thinking on some issues. We believe stereotyping also may be an issue that impacts students' constructs regarding professional psychologists.
We surveyed undergraduate students' perceptions of professional psychologists' characteristics as well as their competency. Overall, psychologists were viewed positively on dimensions surveyed and students perceived psychologists generally as being competent. Treating psychiatric disorders and conducting assessments were said to be among psychologists' overall strong suits. Confusion between psychologists and psychiatrists seemed to exist in students' thinking on some issues. We believe stereotyping also may be an issue that impacts students' constructs regarding professional psychologists.