The Italian School Psychologists’ Role: A Qualitative Study about Professional Practices and Representations
Open Access
- 24 September 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by MDPI AG in European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education
- Vol. 11 (4), 1134-1155
- https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe11040084
Abstract
School psychologists’ relevance has been broadly affirmed. However, there is no shared definition of their professional role, and more efforts are needed to promote an organisational and whole-school approach. The present study aims to investigate practices and representations of Italian school psychologists, advance knowledge of the status and development of school psychology, and learn more about the approaches currently adopted in schools. A qualitative method was used and 11 focus groups with a total of 86 participants were carried out. Ad hoc instruments were defined. The results highlighted that school psychologists are more focused on building one-on-one relationships, whereas relationships with the organisation as a whole appear to be more difficult. However, participants reported a wide range of activities, targeted to both the individual and the organisation. Moreover, efforts to strengthen the relationships with school principals and the entire school community were described. Specific needs emerged and the necessity to better define the school psychologists’ role was reported by the participants. More efforts are needed to promote an organisational approach among Italian school psychologists and specific training should be offered.Keywords
Funding Information
- Ordine degli Psicologi della Lombardia (deliberation n.20-2021 14/01/2021)
This publication has 29 references indexed in Scilit:
- Driving, Steering, Leading, and DefendingThe Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 2012
- Differences between Online and Face to Face Focus Groups, Viewed through Two ApproachesJournal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research, 2012
- EFPA Position Paper on Psychologists in the Educational System and Their Contribution to Lifelong LearningEuropean Psychologist, 2011
- School psychology: Learning lessons from history and moving forwardSchool Psychology International, 2010
- Italian School Psychology as Perceived by Italian School PsychologistsSchool Psychology International, 2008
- Where in the World is School Psychology?School Psychology International, 2008
- The International School Psychology SurveySchool Psychology International, 2006
- Using thematic analysis in psychologyQualitative Research in Psychology, 2006
- Contemporary practices in school psychology: A national survey of roles and referral problemsPsychology in the Schools, 2002
- Schools, Society, and School Psychologists: History and Future DirectionsJournal of School Psychology, 2001