Resilience in Early‐Career Psychologists: Investigating Challenges, Strategies, Facilitators, and the Training Pathway

Abstract

Objective The profession of psychology is a challenging and demanding field, particularly for newly registered psychologists entering the workforce. Resilience can be an important factor in psychologists' success and well‐being, therefore this study aimed to explore the concept of resilience among early‐career psychologists by identifying factors and strategies which support resilience and which aspects of work are most challenging for an early‐career psychologist. The study also explored how universities could help graduates to be more resilient. Method A sample of 96 early‐career psychologists practising in Australia within various specialisations was recruited, and participants were asked five questions about their resilience and any contributing factors. The research team implemented a qualitative method and formulated the interview schedule with items determined through the literature. Interview data were thematically analysed. Results Dominant themes regarding workplace factors that affect resilience concerned leadership, organisational culture, effort–reward imbalance, and emotional labour. Strategies reported to foster resilience in early‐career psychologists included workload management, professional development, utilising peer networks, reflection, exercise, and socialising. Regarding the university training pathway, support from the Australian Psychological Society and colleges was important, as well as greater focus on work placements, supervision, work‐integrated learning, job‐relevant coursework, self‐care education, teamwork, critical thinking skills, work readiness initiatives, career management support, and experience working within multidisciplinary teams. Conclusions This study has shown the important role that universities and workplaces play in determining an early‐career psychologist's resilience. These findings have new practical implications for university curricula and organisational practices.

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