Abstract
Psychology in the Schools of Four Asian Countries
S. Hu & T. Oakland
This paper summarizes information obtained through the use of a detailed questionnaire that surveyed knowledgeable psychologists in Hong Kong, India, Japan, and Thailand. Those sections within the survey that identify demographic characteristics of psychoeducational professionals, their knowledge and skill areas, significant problems, as well as internal and external threats that may jeopardize the delivery of psychological services within schools are discussed. These professionals who work with children predominantly in school settings typically hold titles as counselors or educational psychologists. They are overwhelmingly female and most have bachelor's degrees. Among 90 knowledge and skill areas, the fourteen that are very important to these professionals in all four countries include academic areas of psychology (e.g., learning, individual differences, motivation, and cognition) and clinical skills (e. g., interviewing, observing, consulting, guidance, and counseling). Few problems are common to the four countries. The most common internal threats include the lack of research and lowering standards for selecting and preparing professionals. Among the external threats, the lack of adequate finances to support their services is the most significant and common.