School Psychology Students, Faculty, and Practitioners: An Evaluation of Training Experiences, Knowledge, and Comfort with GLBTQ Students

Abstract

Violence among sexual minority students is widespread in schools and can be found as early as elementary school. Although several studies have investigated issues related to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth (GLBTQ), there remains a gap in the literature with respect to the training school psychologists receive and their knowledge and comfort level in working with GLBTQ youth. To address this gap, school psychology graduate students, faculty, and school psychology practitioners were invited to participate in a survey assessing their training experiences, knowledge, and comfort levels in working with GLBTQ youth. Participants were recruited through NASP-approved statewide organizations and graduate training programs. Results indicate that while participants rate their training as inadequate, they nonetheless feel comfortable working with this population. Demographic variables did not correlate with training, knowledge, and comfort as hypothesized. Implications for graduate training and future research are discussed in light of the present study’s findings.