Date of Submission
2014
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
School Psychology
Department Chair
Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP, Chair, Department of Psychology
First Advisor
Jessica Glass-Kendorski, PhD, NCSP, Chairperson
Second Advisor
Rosemary Mennuti, EdD
Third Advisor
Michelle McIntyre, PsyD
Abstract
This qualitative study focuses on the experiences of 11 parents whose child received an evaluation at school by the school psychologist. By using a semi-structured interview, the author examined the initial evaluation process, or the first time a parent had his or her child evaluated by a school psychologist. A special focus was placed on the meeting in which the parent received results from the school psychologist. The results indicated that there is a lack of connection between parents and the evaluation process. This disconnect becomes wider over the course of the evaluation and at the end of the process, these parents are still searching for help for their children. This dissertation will discuss ideas for an improvement in reframing this process around a cognitive-behavioral framework; this will include developing a therapeutic alliance using empathy, learning the existing schema that a parent has for his or her child, and treating the evaluation feedback conference as an activating event for thoughts and feelings. Finally, practice guidelines for school psychologists to use during the evaluation process with parents will be suggested.
Recommended Citation
Scipioni, Katherine, "The View from across the Table: A Qualitative Study of Parent Experiences with the School Psychologist During Initial Evaluation Feedback Conferences" (2014). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. 307.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations/307