| Abstract: | The importance of decision-making skills for clinical psychologists has been established. This study investigates the amount of academic instruction received by graduate students in this subject area. Courses from American Psychological Association accredited clinical psychology programs were examined, along with surveys completed by academic training directors (DCTs). Findings indicate limited formal academic instruction within the area of clinical decision-making, despite DCT importance ratings. Coverage of decision-making topics rarely occurs in stand-alone courses. Fewer than 50% of programs cover decision theory or decision improvement strategies. Suggestions are offered to address the discrepancy between essential clinical judgment capacities and amount of provided instruction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
