Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2025
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
School Psychology
First Advisor
Kari Oyen
Abstract
This study examined the advocacy practices of school psychologists across the United States, focusing on the factors that influence their engagement at the individual, school, community, and public arena levels. Using a researcher-created, web-based survey, data were collected from 181 participants representing a diverse sample of demographic characteristics, work settings, and years of experience. The questionnaire measured advocacy frequency and identified personal, professional, and societal factors that influence advocacy activities as facilitators or barriers. Findings revealed that participants most frequently engage in individual and school-level advocacy activities. Engagement frequency decreased at the community level and public arena level of advocacy. Professional development experiences and a sense of preparedness to support students were strong facilitators across all levels. High student-to-school psychologist ratios were a consistent barrier to advocacy. Demographic variables such as setting, experience, and education level influenced participants’ reported behaviors. Societal perceptions, including political polarization, were also identified as predictors of advocacy work. This study highlights the importance of manageable workloads, targeted professional development, and supportive school environments facilitating advocacy. It provides novel insights that advocacy is influenced by both internal capacity and external context, with implications for school psychology training and practice.
Subject Categories
Education | Educational Psychology
Keywords
Advocacy School Psychology
Number of Pages
198
Publisher
University of South Dakota
Recommended Citation
Falk, Catherine, "Advocacy in School Psychology: Insights from a National Survey of Practices, Challenges, and Future Directions" (2025). Dissertations and Theses. 343.
https://red.library.usd.edu/diss-thesis/343