The development of professional identity in clinical psychologists: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: Our professional identity refers to our sense of who we are and how we should behave as professionals. Professional identities are developed through socialisation processes: Established ways of knowing and doing are acquired and reproduced. The professional identities of health care professionals have implications for the realisation of health care reforms that require new ways of being and doing from clinicians. Tension and frustration can arise when professional identities are incongruent with reform directions. More knowledge is required about the professional identities of mental health care professionals-including clinical psychologists-so that they can be supported to develop professional identities that align with health care system reforms. Method: We undertook a scoping review of existing literature aiming to (i) identify the relevant literature; (ii) review the literature quality; (iii) thematically summarise the literature findings; (iv) consult with clinical psychologists; and (v) identify recommendations for research, training and practice. Results: A systematic database search (PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science) identified 24 relevant published articles and dissertations. Quantitative studies were excluded due to their markedly different research focus. Included studies were independently reviewed and findings summarised. Findings were organised around three themes: 'integration of personal and professional identities', 'intersectionality' and 'changes in professional identity over time'. Research quality issues were identified. The trustworthiness of the findings was corroborated in consultation with clinical psychologists. Discussion: Clinical psychologists recognise their professional identities as being interrelated with their personal identities and changing over time. They recognised professional identity as important yet inadequately considered in the profession. The research area is emerging yet remains undertheorised and requires improved research methodologies. Future theoretically informed research is required to build up a credible research base to better understand the development of clinical

When the algorithm ‘matches’ us: The experiences of early‐career psychologists on online platform services for psychotherapy and counselling in Italy

“…On the level of professional identity (second superordinate theme), the online platform seems to offer the psychologists different resources: It promotes the employment of young psychologists, reducing the costs related to the early career; it provides a promotional space; and it seems to legitimise online practice, valuing the online profession positively. The platform seems to support the 'self' of early-career psychologists who, during the training and early-career periods, experience a state of destabilisation and vulnerability, but, at the same time, of potential growth (Schubert et al, 2023;Zaverukha et al, 2022). The OPSPC provided opportunities to experience clinical practice in a 'protective' space for early-career psychologists, which can be particularly strained by the challenges created by the online modality (Békés et al, 2021), sustaining important factors for professional identity development, such as training, supervision and network support (Glueckauf et al, 2018;Schubert et al, 2023).…”

“…The platform seems to support the 'self' of early-career psychologists who, during the training and early-career periods, experience a state of destabilisation and vulnerability, but, at the same time, of potential growth (Schubert et al, 2023;Zaverukha et al, 2022). The OPSPC provided opportunities to experience clinical practice in a 'protective' space for early-career psychologists, which can be particularly strained by the challenges created by the online modality (Békés et al, 2021), sustaining important factors for professional identity development, such as training, supervision and network support (Glueckauf et al, 2018;Schubert et al, 2023). In addition, the platform applies a 'protective' filter at other levels: it manages the risk assessment; it also fulfils ethical and legal/regulatory procedures, reducing the burden on early-career psychologists.…”

Models of practice and training in psychotherapy: cross-national perspectives from Italy and Canada

“…Training may impact professional identity development. Professional identity is an individual’s sense of who they are and how they must act within professional settings, shaped by several factors, including training (Schubert et al , 2023 ). Clinical psychologists report that training is critical to their professional identity formation (Schubert et al ., 2023 ).…”

“…Professional identity is an individual’s sense of who they are and how they must act within professional settings, shaped by several factors, including training (Schubert et al , 2023 ). Clinical psychologists report that training is critical to their professional identity formation (Schubert et al ., 2023 ). Professional identity development can have downstream effects on the quality and types of psychological services available to the public.…”

Порівняльний Аналіз Методів Професійного Саморозвитку Психологів В Країнах Єс

“…Актуальність сучасної проблеми вдосконалення підготовки психологів у країнах ЄС проаналізовано в працях Tabachnikov [4], Brittlebank [1], Giurgiuca [5], Brittlebank [1], Laireiter [2]; розвиток професійної ідентичності розглянуто в роботах Zaverukha [6], Алєксєєвої [7] та Пророка [8]; дослідження адаптаційних процесів та критеріїв розвитку проводили Blynova [14], Koltsova [10]; компетентності та професійному розвитку присвячені дослідження Tabachnikov та Борзова [4; 11]; Пророк запропонував технології професійного розвитку [8]; Hart, Zhang розробили різни види курсів [12; 13].…”