How psychologists view and engage with competence in their practice : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
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Date
2018
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Open Access Location
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Massey University
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to gain insight into how psychologists view and engage
with competence and identify the factors that they determine as supporting or
inhibiting competent practice. To date, few studies have examined the elements
psychologists identify as shaping the development of their professional competence. It
is hoped by doing so, strategies can be implemented that develop, maintain, and
enhance competence and encourage active participation in the Continuing
Competence Programme (CCP). Having an agreed definition of the qualities required
to be competent is essential to evaluate, improve, and ensure quality assurance in
psychological practice. Ten psychologists from the clinical and industrial
organisational scopes participated. Semi-structured interviews were used; questions
were designed to act as prompts and to ensure no relevant themes were overlooked.
The interviews were recorded then transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results indicated that while the participants understood the meaning of competent
practice, how they relate that to their practice and how this influences their
participation in the CCP varies. The participants discussed the value of, and the
challenges associated with, achieving, demonstrating, and measuring competence and
the consequences this has on their practice, their clients and themselves. They also
identified factors that encourage, develop, and maintain competence and those factors
that are threats to competence. It is essential to understand how an individual
perceives competence as this will determine how they view and engage with
competence in their practice. Understanding this will assist with competency
development, maintenance, measurement and demonstration across the professional
lifespan.
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Keywords
Clinical psychology, Practice, Clinical competence, Evaluation, Clinical psychologists, Industrial psychologists, Attitudes