The distressed psychologist: Prevalence and treatment considerations.

Abstract

Investigated the level and types of distress in a sample of 379 psychologists, using survey methodology. Overall, Ss were healthy and satisfied with work and interpersonal relationships. 10% of Ss experienced distress in the areas of depression, marital/relationship, physical illness, alcohol use, and loneliness. A distress band was calculated and ranged from 9% for multiple categories to 19% for single categories of distress. A subsample of Ss in distress from alcohol use were characterized by use of controlled drinking strategies with notable failure of these options to reduce distress levels. The authors conclude that (a) distress is a multifaceted phenomenon requiring careful examination on several levels; (b) controlled drinking strategies do not function to reduce distress among problem-drinking psychologists; and (c) verification of the distress band prevalence is needed to guide planning of intervention efforts on a state and national basis.Questions of accountability and maintenance of professional standards within the field of psychology have led to major efforts and activities at both state and national levels to develop standards for competent client care and professional services. Laliotis and Gray son (1985) reported that efforts to deal with the impaired psychologist have been woefully inadequate. Their analysis of state licensing laws revealed that states tend to define impairment as that category of problems that adversely affect performance so as to necessitate legal sanctions, ethical sanctions, and license revocation. There is evidence that this view of impairment is broadening to include syndromes best treated by a combined sanction/rehabilitation effort (Laliotis & Grayson, 1985). Currently, the American Psychological Association (APA) has commissioned the Advisory Committee on Distressed Psychologists to develop a manual (Schwebel, Skorina, RICHARD W. THORESON received his PhD from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1963. He is a professor in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology and director of the graduate program in rehabilitation counseling at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He has served as a member of the American Psychological Association Ad Hoc Committee on Distressed Psychologists, teaches courses on counseling theories and counseling practicum, and conducts research in the areas of alcoholism and related disorders, men's issues, and the academic career. MARINELL MILLER is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia. At the time of this study, she served as Coordinator of Field Experiences for the Rehabilitation Counselor Training Program at the

Clinical psychologists’ experiences of personal significant distress

“…Strained or terminated relationships, personal caring roles, and work‐related factors were widely shared experiences, highlighting the multiplicity of stressors, echoing previous findings (Cushway & Tyler, 1995; Deutch, 1984; Farber, 1983; Gilroy et al , 2002; Guy, 1987; Guy et al , 1989; Hellman, Morrison, & Abramowitz, 1987; Nash, Norcross, & Prochaska, 1984; Thoreson et al , 1989). Work stressors were specifically associated with high‐pressure, long hours, and organizational expectations, and, for some, professional doubt.…”

Challenges in Addressing Graduate Student Impairment in Academic Professional Psychology Programs

“…Research has shown that professional psychologists are aware of the ethical issues surrounding impairment among their colleagues (Thoreson et al, 1989). The literature on graduate student impairment also notes that graduate students are aware of peers' problematic or impaired behavior.…”

A longitudinal study of the psychological adaptation of trainee clinical psychologists

“…In a review of the literature on the psychological adaptation of psychologists, Sherman (1996Sherman ( ) con-1997Cushway, et al, 1996;Good et al,1995;Guy et al, 1989;Pope and Tabachnick, 1994;Schwebel and Coster, 1998;Sherman and Thelan, 1998;Thoreson et al, 1989). Further research on the psychological adaptation of clinical psychologists is important for several reasons.…”