Understanding the development of school psychology services in the Republic of Taiwan

Abstract

School psychology is one of the most important fields within applied psychology, which is closely related to education and as a developing specialty it is important to be considered. Taiwan is an important Western ally and is highly developed in many ways. Taiwan is influenced by both Western and Eastern cultures, and this has inevitably impacted the development of psychology, including school psychology. Due to its complicated relations with Mainland China, most studies on school psychology in China do not include information in Taiwan. In addition, worldwide international studies of school psychology also often neglect Taiwan as a country. In other words, most reviews have not offered a systematic investigation of school psychology in Taiwan. The purpose of this article is to review the development of school psychology in Taiwan. The history and background of school psychology is discussed; the current status and developmental stages of school psychology are presented; the preparation of school psychologists, including the roles, functions, and responsibilities of school psychologists are discussed; and current issues impacting school psychology are examined. Overall, this article provides a means to briefly introduce and evaluate school psychology services in Taiwan.

A holistic approach to school-based counselling and guidance services in Malaysia

“…In addition, the socio-cultural values of a reserved society and lack of help-seeking behaviour among local families are non-supportive to self-expression among students, and further contribute to the absence of school psychological services in Malaysia. However, similar to school psychologists throughout developing countries and particularly in Asia, Malaysian school counsellors share a primary goal of enhancing the overall quality life of children (Akin-Little & Little, 2013; Chong, Lee, Tan, Wong, & Yeo, 2013; Cook, Jimerson, & Begeny, 2010; D’Amato, Van Schalkwyk, Zhao, & Hu, 2013; Luk-Fong, 2013; Tangdhanakanond, Archwamety, McFarland, & Beckman, 2013; Tarroja, & Fernando, 2013; Van Schalkwyk & Sit, 2013; Wang & D’Amato, 2013).…”

School psychology research and practice in East Asia: Perspectives on the past, present, and future directions of the field

“…In Taiwan, the field of school psychology is considered to be in its infancy, largely because of its longstanding integration with guidance and counseling services (Ding, Kuo, & Van Dyke, 2008; Wang & D’Amato, 2013). Although school-based professionals have provided intervention services, assessment, and individual and counseling services within the past decade, their background has typically been in school guidance and school counseling.…”

“…Although school-based professionals have provided intervention services, assessment, and individual and counseling services within the past decade, their background has typically been in school guidance and school counseling. Furthermore, training in school psychology has been limited in Taiwan, yet existing literature suggests that universities are starting to develop the roles and functions of school psychologists (Wang & D’Amato, 2013). Furthermore, counseling and guidance professionals outside of Taiwanese schools have also provided school-psychology related services, suggesting that these services are not limited to schools, but are also delivered within the community (Wang & D’Amato, 2013).…”

Evaluating school-based psychological and counselling services in Macao using a qualitative approach

“…There also appears to be some confusion regarding the role and function of school psychologists and school counsellors, and a blurring of boundaries between school psychology, school counselling, and school social work (Ding, Kuo, & Van Dyke, 2008;Leuwerke & Shi, 2010). In the People's Republic of China (PRC), Hong Kong, and Taiwan school psychological services are, for example, performed by school counsellors and vary greatly depending on the culture and attributed value of mental health services in these regions (Chan, 2005;Ding et al, 2008;Lam & Yuen, 2004;Leeuwerke & Shi, 2010;Luk-Fong & Lung, 2003;Ni, Jones, & Bruning, 2012;Wang & D'Amato, 2013). Career guidance and school counselling overlap with school psychology particularly regarding assessment, intervention and prevention.…”