Critérios utilizados por psicólogos brasileiros em práticas de avaliação psicológica

Abstract

Psychological Assessment (PA) is very important to the development and social image of the profession. Despite the context in which it is practiced, it has to be based on criteria supported by theory, technical and tacit abilities from professionals, This research aims to characterize aspects of profile and practice of these professionals in different contexts and regions of the country; identify and characterize the criteria used by Brazilian psychologists in their choice/use of Instruments; and verify if there is methodological similarity between professionals. For this purpose, an Online survey was conducted with 932 psychologists. The main results indicated a profile which is consistent with previous analysis that show: high number of women, youth, graduated in private universities, with little experience, working few hours per week and in more than one context. Recent trends of decreasing prevalence of the Southeast region and clinical area were highlighted. The poor variety of criteria mentioned in instrumental use and the evidence of conceptual confusion between PA and psychological testing are concerning. The PA area requires: investments in PA processes and Instruments aimed at social needs and also beyond the clinical context; academic qualifications and continuum training; and creation of guidelines/guides that promote better practices in PA.