Age as Diversity in Psychological Assessment

Abstract

The individuals we assess in behavioral health settings undoubtedly vary in age across the lifespan spectrum. In fact, the traditional age range of clients receiving psychological assessment has progressively expanded over time, both downward to infancy and upward to older adulthood. Given that children are being tested at younger ages than ever before for early identification of developmental risks, and evaluation of older adults has increased in response to a growing aging population, questions arise such as: Are we sufficiently attuned to the developmental context of children and adolescents and the needs of older adults? Are we considering generational characteristics and their effects that might influence interactions with the individual, evaluation methods, and interpretation of test results? Are we using suitable test measures and norms?