“Isn’t it mad that we’re all psychologists and we can't talk about our feelings?”: A mixed-methods study exploring trainee clinical psychologists’ experience of (non)disclosure of psychological distress during training

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Zamir, Aliya (2023) “Isn’t it mad that we’re all psychologists and we can't talk about our feelings?”: A mixed-methods study exploring trainee clinical psychologists’ experience of (non)disclosure of psychological distress during training. DClinPsy thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

Objective: Literature on trainee clinical psychologists’ mental health has highlighted elevated levels of mental health difficulties and/or psychological distress among trainees, and low levels of disclosure within the workplace. The current study aimed to explore 1) trainee experiences of disclosure and/or concealment of psychological distress during their training, 2) beliefs, assumptions or predictions related to disclosure and 3) responses to disclosure.

Methods: A mixed-methods strategy was employed; 165 trainee or recently qualified clinical psychologists took part in an online survey. Thirteen of these were interviewed. Descriptive statistics and a reflexive thematic analysis were conducted to analyse the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.

Results: The sample largely consisted of those who had disclosed distress. Six main themes were constructed: 1) Diagnostic or psychological conceptualisations 2) Worries about judgement complicate disclosure decisions; 3) Disclosure likelihood is determined by relationships; 4) Emotional support versus practical responses; 5) Desired changes that could increase disclosure; and 6) Legacies of disclosure experiences.

Conclusion: There is a need for training programme staff to prioritise emotional support, increase permission giving, and enhance disclosure guidance. Further research, including those receiving disclosures, those who do not disclose and from underrepresented groups, is required.

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (DClinPsy)
Supervisors: Sabin-Farrell, Rachel
Tickle, Anna
Keywords: psychological distress, disclosure, concealment, trainee clinical psychologists, stigma
Subjects: W Medicine and related subjects (NLM Classification) > WM Psychiatry
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Medicine
Item ID: 71685
Depositing User: Zamir, Aliya
Date Deposited: 19 Jul 2023 04:40
Last Modified: 19 Jul 2023 04:40
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/71685

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