Well-functioning in professional psychologists.

Abstract

Experienced professional psychologists identified factors that contributed to their ability to function well in Study 1, through interviews with 6 well-functioning psychologists, and in Study 2, through questionnaire responses from 339 randomly selected licensed psychologists. Collectively they highlighted self-awareness and monitoring; support from peers, spouses, friends, mentors, therapists, and supervisors; values; and a balanced life, Including vacations and other stress-reducers. Discussion focuses on stress-management enhancers to maintain well-functioning, especially at times of deep and pervasive change, like the present and the foreseeable future.In the early 1970s, concerned about impairment among psychologists, the American Psychological Association (APA) studied its prevalence and formulated a response emphasizing education and rehabilitation. State associations assumed primary responsibility for the development and implementation of intervention programs, with the APA serving as a consultative resource through its Advisory Committee on Impaired Psychologists (ACIP;Schwebel, Schoener, & Skorina, 1994).In 1994, 22 states and Canadian provinces had active programs to assist impaired psychologists, with most activity directed at rehabilitation (ACIP, 1994). A literature on impairment has begun to develop, with research focusing on prevalence

Intern Self-Care: An Exploratory Study Into Strategy Use and Effectiveness.

“…Among studies that have assessed practitioner selfcare, Mahoney (1997) found the most commonly used behaviors were reading for pleasure, exercising, taking vacations, having a hobby, supervising peers, and praying or meditating. In a series of studies by Coster and Schwebel (1997) and Schwebel and Coster (1998), practitioners and heads of psychology programs reported the factors that contributed to preventing and coping with stress ("wellfunctioning," p. 284) included self-awareness, balance between personal and professional lives, relationships with family and partners, and personal values. Skovholt et al (2001) stated that " [C]ounselor training, congruent with the nature of the work and the people in it, is predominantly other-focused…with relatively little attention given to care for the self" (p. 168).…”

Social support as a regulator of self-care attitude in persons with myocardial infarction

“…The physical component is defined as undertaking motor activity, which results in expending energy via exercises, sport, household and daily functioning activities (Henderson, Ainsworth, 2001). The psychological component refers to seeking specialist support in tackling psychological problems and improving one's competences of coping with stress (Coster, Schwebel, 1997). Spiritual element is related to looking for a sense of purpose and meaning in life (Hage, 2006).…”

Clinical supervision for allied health staff: necessary but not sufficient

“…Although previous studies have suggested that there is confusion among clinical supervisors regarding CS and line and performance management, 4,6 our respondents made the clear distinction that CS was a supportive and reflective relationship that was separate from the organisation imperatives for performance management. This is linked to a previous study that has suggested that self-reflection and selfmanagement are important factors for the well being of professional psychologists 31 and this may apply to other allied health professions.…”