Presence and Practice of School Psychology in Italy: A Survey on Characteristics, Training, Practices, and Challenges of School Psychologists.

Need. Strong and convincing data are needed to inform efforts to consolidate Italian school psychology services and encourage development of the profession in Italy. Activities. This proposal builds on current efforts by conducting a comprehensive nation-wide simultaneous mixed-method study (Creswell, 2003) of Italian psychological service-providers who work in schools. A nation-wide survey will be distributed by the 21 regional/provincial boards of psychologists to collect data from practitioners via an online questionnaire. In-depth interviews with about 15 key informants representing practitioners, policy makers, and organization officers (i.e., psychologists with experience in schools) will provide context and depth to the survey data. Outcomes. The study will strengthen national efforts to promote, consolidate, and enhance school psychology in Italy and inform professional development activities. Results will be presented at the ISPA 2020, at national conferences (i.e. Italian Association of Psychology [AIP] annual conference) and submitted for publication. Results will also inform presentations, reports, and publications directed at public authorities, schools, service providers, and stakeholders.