Stress in Clinical Psychology Trainees: Current Research Status and Future Directions

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present the current status of the literature related to stress in clinical psychology trainees (CPTs), and to offer research directions for investigating stress in this population and ways to enhance self-care in these individuals. The following conclusions emerge from the review: (1) CPTs are vulnerable to elevated stress; (2) undue stress can negatively impact CPTs' personal and professional functioning and, in turn, result in less than optimal standards of care for clients; (3) there is a dearth of studies on stress in this population and no published intervention studies; (4) incorporating self-care strategies into clinical psychology training is recommended; and (5) "third-wave" cognitive behaviour therapy stress management interventions have been efficacious in comparable populations. In view of the potential costs of elevated stress to trainees themselves and their clients, research on stress and stress management in this population is of a high priority. Broad research agendas are proposed for these two domains. Modifications to clinical training programmes to reduce trainee stress are required and should be evidence-based and systematically revaluated.

Interreality for the management and training of psychological stress: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…Despite CBT being the best validated approach for the treatment of stress [16-19], further clinical research is needed to refine existing protocols and fully exploit its clinical potential. Stress-related disorders cannot be explained simply on the basis of the terrible things that happen to people.…”

“…Nevertheless, the Cochrane database underlines that “the poor quality of trials, considerable heterogeneity observed between trials and evidence of significant publication bias make the pooled findings insecure.” In other words, even if CBT is the best-validated approach for the treatment of stress [16-19], further clinical research is needed to tune existing protocols and fully exploit its clinical potential.…”

Short Report: Evaluation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Training for Psychologists Working with People with Multiple Sclerosis

“…These findings are noteworthy given that the ACT processes are associated with greater well-being and self-care in health practitioners and that greater mindfulness is associated with better personal and client outcomes in health professionals. 12 Several methodological limitations may explain the lack of statistically significant change in primary outcomes and ACT processes. First, the small sample size limited power to detect statistically significant change; prevention research typically requires large samples …”

“…10,11 These ACT training benefits are particularly relevant to psychologists given that they are at risk for burnout and that self-care and psychological flexibility can protect against burnout. 12 ACT training typically involves experiential exercises whereby trainees experience each of the ACT processes and acquire the skills for enhancing these in their own lives, which, in turn, positions them for teaching these processes to clients. 12,13 Owing to ACT being relatively new, few health professionals serving people with MS are trained in it.…”

“…12 ACT training typically involves experiential exercises whereby trainees experience each of the ACT processes and acquire the skills for enhancing these in their own lives, which, in turn, positions them for teaching these processes to clients. 12,13 Owing to ACT being relatively new, few health professionals serving people with MS are trained in it. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an ACT training workshop for psychologists who work with people with MS in Italy.…”