2024 SPA Expert Insights - Deliberate Context-Driven Conceptualization in Psychological Assessment

Abstract

Models of psychopathology specifically and psychological functioning more broadly have historically focused on intrapsychic forces and dynamics contributing to struggling and suffering of individuals. Indeed, nearly all of the most widely used measures are nearly exclusively focused on what is occurring within an individual (or behaviors emanating from an individual). Despite decades of calls for better integration of culture and context into case conceptualization, the field of psychology (and in particular psychological assessment) has been slow to develop concrete guidance for accomplishing this goal. This presentation will present theoretical models and concrete steps toward better integrating context into the clinical pictures (case formulations) that emerge from psychological assessments.

Presenter

Andrew Wright | New York University