Abstract
The current study utilized a Delphic poll to identify significant problems regarding children and families in which psychologists can assist. The Delphic poll methodology combines both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to obtain information and predictions about the future from a panel of knowledgeable experts. Thirty-one professionals participated in the first round of the survey, and 26 participants (83.9 % of the round 1 participants) chose to complete the second-round survey. Several themes emerged consistently across questions as important issues to be addressed in the future of childhood mental health. For example, participants frequently identified access, advocacy, research and research dissemination, prevention/early intervention, and integration of services as important issues. Implications and recommendations are drawn for organizations and individual psychologists as advocates for improving children’s mental health in the United States.
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The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge all participants who completed the Delphic poll that made this study possible.
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Odar, C., Canter, K.S. & Roberts, M.C. Future Directions for Advancing Issues in Children’s Mental Health: A Delphic Poll. J Child Fam Stud 22, 903–911 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-012-9649-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-012-9649-2