Personality Assessment for School Psychologists: Considerations and Issues for Contemporary Practice

Abstract

In-public education school psychologists can provide an invaluable service for children, families, and the community. Tragically, children are coping with an extraordinary range of mental health needs. Such issues as adolescent aggression, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, drug and alcohol addictions, and family dysfunction represent a sampling of problems. While cognitive assessment and behavioral rating has remained a cornerstone of training, many facets of personality assessment have been less of a focus for school psychology training and practice. Unfortunately, the reticence of school districts to allow school psychologists to provide personality assessments and the reluctance of training programs to teach personality assessment has resulted in a dearth in the identification of personality issues. This article reviews key issues impacting children's mental health and considers differing personality assessment models available for implementation in school practice.