Foundational geropsychology knowledge competencies

This special issueopens in new window of Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice presents essential research on foundational knowledge in geropsychology. Guest Editors Gregory A. Hinrichsen and Erin E. Emery-Tiburcio share their key takeways.

The issue includes five articles summarizing knowledge that is critical to providing competent psychological services to older adults.

All people deserve health care that meets their individual needs. Americans are living longer and healthier lives because of advances in health care, such that by 2030, 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 years of age or older. About 20% of older adults will experience a mental health issue that requires treatment. Currently, at least one third of psychologists regularly provide services to older people despite the fact that few have been formally trained in aging. Thus, many older adults are not getting care that meets their needs.

Attitudes toward older adults skew in the negative direction, and most people—including many psychologists—underestimate the resilience of members of this age group.

Older adulthood is diverse and integral to the lifespan.

Competent practitioners of psychological care for older people are cognizant of the often complex interactions among psychological, social, and physical health issues, as well as environmental influences.

Age-normed and psychometrically valid instruments exist, including those that evaluate cognition, emotion, personality, and social relationships of older people.

Many evidence-based interventions can be used with older adults to improve their psychological and social well-being.

The growing population of older adults presents a unique professional practice opportunity for psychologists. This cohort of emerging older adults is better educated, in better social and economic health, and more psychologically aware than previous generations. Psychological work with older people can bring considerable satisfaction and requires geropsychological knowledge and skills to do well.

Note: This article is in the Clinical Psychology topic area. View more articles in the Clinical Psychology topic area.

Hinrichsen, G. A., & Emery-Tiburcio, E. E. (2022). Introduction to special issue: Foundational knowledge competencies in geropsychology. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 29(1), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1037/cps0000066opens in new window

Gregory A. Hinrichsenopens in new window, PhD, ABPP, is a clinical professor of geriatrics and palliative medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. He is the author of Assessment and Treatment of Older Adults: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals, which is published by APA.

Erin E. Emery-Tiburcioopens in new window, PhD, ABPP, is an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and geriatric medicine at Rush University Medical Center. She codirects the Rush Center for Excellence in Aging; CATCH-ON, a HRSA Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program; and the E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging.