Generalist and specialist training in professional correctional psychology are compatible: Reply to Magaletta and Patry (2020)

Abstract

Replies to comments made by P. R. Magaletta and M. W. Patry (see record 2019-81943-002) on the original article by T. M. S. Neal (see record 2018-05574-001). In their constructive critique of Neal (2018), Magaletta and Patry (2020) argue that specialized training is not necessary for the development of professional correctional psychologists and suggest generalized training is a better model. These approaches are not mutually exclusive. Identifiable features relevant to the practice of correctional psychology are distinct from other areas of professional psychology. These features require the development of particular competencies and applied skill sets. Establishing a clearer identity for correctional psychology could promote the education and recruitment of the next generation of students and may accelerate the generation and cumulation of high-quality correctional psychological science. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).