Training in pediatric psychology: a survey of predoctoral internship programs.

OBJECTIVE

To describe internship training in pediatric psychology and to determine its correspondence with the recommendations of the Society of Pediatric Psychology (SPP) Task Force on Training.

METHODS

A survey based on the Task Force recommendations was sent to all internship programs that reported offering a major rotation in pediatrics.

RESULTS

Opportunities in a wide range of assessment and intervention strategies were available. Training in disease process, medical management, and consultation/liaison with a variety of disciplines was also offered. Interns interacted with individuals from a range of developmental stages and ethnicities. Many professional issues were addressed. Experiences in research methods and prevention were less well represented.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite some variability, experiences in a wide range of areas were offered by many programs in several of the training domains recommended by the SPP Task Force. However, there is room for improvement in training in research and prevention and health promotion.