Testing in Child Custody Evaluations–Selection, Usage, and Daubert Admissibility: A Survey of Psychologists

ABSTRACT

A survey of psychologists (N = 89) was conducted examine issues regarding test selection, usage rates, and Daubert admissibility in child custody evaluations. Findings revealed that respondents used selection criteria commonly cited in the forensic literature. They viewed the major purposes of testing as ruling out psychopathology and assessing personality functioning. Interestingly, less emphasis was placed on generating and testing hypotheses. In general, a limited number of tests and inventories were endorsed as meeting the Dauber standard. Implications for practice are addressed, particularly strategies for defending child custody testing practices against Daubert challenges.

KEYWORDS:

• Daubert
• child custody
• psychological testing
• family court
• admissibility
• forensic evaluations