Psychological Aspects of Custody Evaluations

Psychological evaluations as described in guidelines by the American Psychological Association exist as a way to help determine custody and parental rights in regards to the best interest of the child.

Function

Psychological evaluations for custody are intended to help determine the best plan of action in regards to the interest of the child. Such tests are administered to children and parents when determining custody and limits of parental rights and responsibilities. Such tests are appropriate when legal custody of a child comes into question in the case of divorce or when the parents are not married.

Types

Methods of psychological evaluation include general psychological and personality tests such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, the Thematic Apperception Test and the Rorschach, or inkblot, test. Tests created for the specific purpose of evaluating psychological soundness for child custody include the Parent-Child Relationship Inventory, the Parenting Stress Index and the Perception of Relationship Test.

Disadvantages

Psychological evaluations for custody have raised controversy in the past -- questions arise regarding the purpose and effectiveness of such evaluations. The misinterpretation, misuse and mis-categorization of tests have been identified as some of the drawbacks of the use of psychological testing and evaluations for child custody.

References

• Psychological Tests Used in Child Custody Evaluations; Francella A, Quinell, Ph.D. and James N. Bow, Ph.D.
• American Psychological Association: Revised Guidelines Address Child Custody Evaluations