دانلود رایگان مقاله انگلیسی یک مطالعه ی کیفی استرس و مقابله با آن در شرایط قبلی روانشناسی بالینی - امرالد 2017

Abstract

Purpose This paper investigates the stressors involved in pre-qualification clinical psychology as reported by a sample of UK trainee clinical psychologists. The main coping strategies reported by the trainees are also explored. Design/methodology/approach One-to-one interviews were conducted with 15 trainee clinical psychologists using qualitative research methods. Themes were established using the main principles of thematic analysis. Findings Three themes were identified that described the pressures involved in applying to the course, the support networks available to trainees, and the commonalities in their personal history, experiences and self-reported personality characteristics. Originality/value It is important to investigate the sources of stress and coping strategies in trainees to help them cope more effectively. The findings of the study are discussed within the context of clinical psychology training.

Limitations and conclusions

We had a relatively small sample (n=15) and therefore analysis was focused on individual perceptions of training, rather than providing a broader social-structural analysis. This makes it difficult to generalise beyond the specific training programme from where the sample was drawn. However, we do claim a broader relevance for this study, in that our findings are consistent with research drawing from larger sample sizes, such as those identified throughout this paper.

This paper focused on the sources of stress in pre-qualification clinical psychology as reported by a sample of UK trainee clinical psychologists. The main coping strategies employed by the trainees have also been considered. Previous research has found stress to be an inevitable feature of pre-qualification clinical psychology, yet no published studies have investigated this using qualitative research methods. The present study suggests that although pre-qualification clinical psychology is clearly a stressful process, trainees with appropriate support and coping strategies can, and do, adapt to the stresses involved in the course. The data presented here can feed into the effective management of clinical psychology training, and will be of interest to clinical psychology trainers, present and future trainees, and any person or organisation interested in helping those in pursuit of qualified status.