Gravity of Threats: Clinical Psychology Graduate Student Training and Threat Assessment

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Doctoral Research Paper

Degree Name

Psy.D.

Organizational Unit

Graduate School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Lynett Henderson Metzger

Second Advisor

Mariya Dvoskina

Third Advisor

Artur Poczwardoski

Abstract

Given that psychologists are first responders to threats of suicide and/or homicide, threat assessment should be an imperative goal of training in graduate school. This study was designed to assess the quantity and quality of threat assessment training in graduate students within the field of clinical psychology. Results indicated that 67% of participants reported receiving only one class period specifically devoted to suicide, homicide, and threat assessment. Twenty-five percent of participants indicated they received two classes focused on the topics of suicide and homicide, and one participant (8%) reported that three classes were dedicated to discussing these subjects. Despite a sample size of 12 participants, results also indicated that 58% of participants were unable to identify a direct threat in scenarios provided to them, and another 58% of participants were unable to detect a veiled threat. In addition, depending on the risk level presented in the vignette, participants were given multiple options for interventions. While participants were provided with vignettes that included distinct warning signs, risk factors, and statements regarding ideation, intent, plan, and/or means, 88% of participants reported that their next action would be to [once again] ask the individual about thoughts or plans of killing oneself or others. In regards to the confidence level or degree of certainty in the ability to identify and categorize threats, only one participant reported feeling “Very Confident” in their ability to identify and categorize threats, while 50% indicated they were only “Somewhat Confident.”

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

Extent

49 pages

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