Asking the Hard Questions: Psychologists’ Discomfort With Inquiring About Sexual Abuse Histories

The literature on sexual abuse indicates low rates of inquiry by mental health professionals. This study explores early career psychologists’ experiences of inquiry into their clients’ sexual abuse histories. Twelve Australian psychologists participated in semi-structured interviews with transcripts analyzed using thematic analysis. The vast majority of participants reported that they did not routinely inquire about sexual abuse with barriers including not knowing what to do, discomfort, stigma, and fear of negative outcomes. Participants asserted that their university training in sexual abuse inquiry was inadequate. Findings emphasize the need for the development of an evidence-based framework for sexual abuse training.

Geropsychology Workforce Development: Mentoring and Outreach by the American Board of Geropsychology

To build workforce capacity and increase access to geropsychology services across the country, the American Board of Geropsychology (ABGERO) is engaged in efforts to promote competence in the specialty of Geropsychology. ABGERO developed a mentoring program to encourage psychologists to pursue board certification by demonstrating knowledge, skills, and abilities in delivering professional services to older adults. Mentors provide support around exam preparation, develop learning plans for psychologists new to the specialty, and help mentees consolidate their professional identities as geropsychologists. Candidates receiving mentorship include early career psychologists who completed geropsychology fellowships, mid-late career geropsychologists who seek board certification to be generative to the field, and psychologists looking to build expertise in geropsychology. For this latter group, clinical consultation groups were also created. Currently, 20 geropsychologists mentor 41 psychologists and 2 graduate students. Two geropsychologists have provided weekly consultation to 15 psychologists. Future implications for mentoring within geropsychology will be discussed.