Challenges and opportunities for a new era of neuropsychology training: a trainee survey study

Abstract

Introduction: The field of neuropsychology is undergoing notable changes, especially in the context of the Minnesota Update Conference (MNC) guidelines draft development. In late 2023, a group of neuropsychology trainee-leaders, united through the Clinical Neuropsychology Trainee Forum (CNTF), surveyed neuropsychology trainees in the United States and Canada to better understand their needs and their perception of the current training climate. Method: Survey items were drafted by a CNTF task force consisting of trainee-leaders from major neuropsychology organizations before being refined by four independent neuropsychologists. The survey was distributed via listservs and social media. Survey results were analyzed using frequency descriptives and analyses of variance to compare differences in responses based on demographic and training-related factors. Results: Respondents who completed a majority of the survey (n = 220) were primarily female (86%), White (71%), and training in the United States (92%). More than 75% of respondents reported satisfaction with their doctoral program, internship, and/or fellowship. Similarly, 90% and 73% of the respondents, respectively, felt their opinions on the future of the field listened to and/or valued in discussions with peers and supervisors/mentors. However, only 57% of the respondents felt their opinions were valued by neuropsychology organizational leadership, and approximately 30% of the respondents agreed that trainees’ opinions were valued during the MNC draft development review period. Another 40% of the respondents were uncertain about trainee perspectives being valued during the MNC process. Conclusions: Most neuropsychology trainees are satisfied with their training, yet they expressed concerns about their opinions on the future of the field being heard by neuropsychology leadership. Trainee stakeholder engagement will be important to the vitality of neuropsychology in light of anticipated MNC Guidelines. Recommendations for the field of neuropsychology to support trainees will be discussed.