Regulations Governing Psychologists: An International Survey

Abstract

Public Significance Statement The authors examine legal regulations on psychologists worldwide, such as those related to professional status and training models. This article provides a broad overview of the worldwide legal status and training models governing psychologists. This study aimed to examine legal regulations on psychologists worldwide, such as those related to professional status and training models. An online survey was conducted by members of the Global Psychology Alliance and Asia Pacific Psychology Alliance. The survey included information on the legal status of psychologists in 55 countries. Representatives of 28 countries provided their responses, whereas information on the legal status of psychologists in 27 European countries was obtained from research data reported by the European Commission in 2016. We found that 80% of the 55 countries included in this study regulated professions in the field of psychology by law. Regarding the title of the profession, 53% of included countries regulated the general "psychologist" profession. Results pertaining to educational requirements indicated that a master's degree or higher was required for general psychologists, amounting to an average period of 5.6 years. The professions regulated varied by continent- and country-specific circumstances and needs. This study provides a general overview of the legal status and training models underpinning psychology practice globally, demonstrating that many regions and countries worldwide are moving toward implementing formal regulatory frameworks, which will facilitate the establishment of global regulatory standards.