Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Educational Psychology & Research

Committee Chair

Sara Bridges

Committee Member

Alison Happel-Parkins

Committee Member

Ashley Batastini

Committee Member

Kathryn Owen

Committee Member

Suzanne Lease

Abstract

Correctional psychology, a subfield of psychology, has long been comprised of its own distinct purpose, focus, and competencies. Yet correctional psychology remains unrecognized today as a formal American Psychology Association (APA) specialization. Unlike forensic psychology, without an APA specialization, and subsequent structured training standards, scholars have argued that correctional mental health professionals may be ill-prepared to navigate unique ethical dilemmas inherent to the correctional environment. The present mixed analysis study aimed to contribute to this discussion by assessing psychology trainees’ ability to respond to hypothetical ethical dilemmas in a manner consistent with correctional environments, and whether prior correctional experience/ exposure predicts more corrections consistent responses. In addition to assessing knowledge, the present study also aimed to examine trainees’ experiences applying this knowledge to real world contexts, as well as trainees’ perceptions of support from their generalist training to navigate ethical dilemmas in correctional environments. Broadly, while results showed support for generalist training being a critical foundation for acting ethically in corrections, results suggested generalist training alone is not enough to prepare and support trainees working in corrections. Thus, recommendations for additional correctional training were discussed based on participants’ open-ended responses.

Comments

Data is provided by the student

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest.

Notes

Open Access

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