Motivation to lead in trainee clinical psychologists: service evaluation of a UK doctorate programme
The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice
ISSN: 1755-6228
Article publication date: 22 September 2021
Issue publication date: 6 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore whether a United Kingdom (UK) clinical psychology training programme (the programme) was effective in producing graduates who are confident in leadership, within the context of the National Health Service and reflecting the British Psychological Society’s views of leadership.
Design/methodology/approach
Mixed methods design surveys were administered to prospective-, current- and alumni trainee clinical psychologists on the programme, enquiring about their view of leadership, motivation to lead (MtL) and aspects of the course that are helpful and which need further development. Data collected from 92 individuals were analysed using content and thematic analysis (TA).
Findings
From the TA, three themes were identified concerning the meaning of leadership as follows: professional identity, Improving the quality of services (team; organisations and wider context), professional skills. Overall, participants thought leadership was important to the role of a clinical psychologist, with prospective trainees reporting that the desire to develop as leaders influenced their decision to apply to the programme. Moreover, participants felt confident in leadership skills and that the training programme helped develop their leadership skills, with the alumni participants demonstrating a greater MtL. Placements, group study and specific modules were identified as contributing to the development of their leadership skills, but participants felt more teaching on leadership is needed. Recommendations have been suggested to improve the development of leadership skills on the programme.
Research limitations/implications
The research was undertaken on a small cohort of trainees based in the UK.
Practical implications
Participants were motivated to become clinical leaders but this motivation needed to be nurtured and developed particularly through structured placement and teaching experience.
Originality/value
This service evaluation is the only audit of the leadership of the programme and the findings will contribute to the existing body of reviews in this area.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Dr David Murphy for his support and involvement in this service evaluation.
Citation
Hassett, C.L., Gresswell, D.M. and Wilde, S.V. (2021), "Motivation to lead in trainee clinical psychologists: service evaluation of a UK doctorate programme", The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, Vol. 16 No. 6, pp. 442-453. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-10-2020-0075
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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