Evaluation of clinical psychological practices in the Dominican Republic / Evaluación de prácticas en la psicología clínica dominicana

Abstract

Clinical psychology, as an application of psychological science, must undergo a constant process of revision and development of its empirical foundations. The current study explores the scientific status of clinical psychology in the Dominican Republic, with a focus on three main elements: use of evidence-based practices, preference for clinical judgment over actuarial judgments, and knowledge of research methods and statistics. Additionally, we explore professional development practices, and other important elements for the responsible application of science. Our results indicate multiple weaknesses in clinical practice, including an excessive use of techniques with poor validity, strong endorsement of clinical judgments, general apathy towards active involvement in research, and lack of knowledge of basic methodological and statistical concepts. We discuss factors potentially related to these weaknesses, and propose possible steps to take in order to strengthen clinical psychology in the Dominican Republic.