GIVING PSYCHOLOGY AWAY - A COMMENT ON HEALTH-CARE, PSYCHOLOGY, AND THE SCIENTIST-PRACTITIONER MODEL BY JAMES (1994)

James (1994) describes one of the central dilemmas facing professional health psychologists. Should they become increasingly involved in training other health professionals to implement psychological procedures? What are the ultimate implications for their profession if they do so? This paper argues that James is basically correct in his overall recommendations but that an appropriate model for the transfer of psychological skills is required. A model is proposed which involves the recognition that because of their training, psychologists possess a thorough understanding of psychological theory and should therefore assume responsibility for its application. The ultimate well-being of health-care consumers may best be served by professional psychologists occupying consultant roles within the health-care system.