A systematic review of burnout in trainee mental health professionals and a qualitative exploration of clinical psychologists’ use of the power threat meaning framework

Travers, Zoe 2022. A systematic review of burnout in trainee mental health professionals and a qualitative exploration of clinical psychologists’ use of the power threat meaning framework. ClinPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This thesis consists of a systematic review and an empirical study which consider the experiences of those working in mental health services in order to address important topics relevant to the clinical psychology profession. Part one is a systematic review of the literature on factors associated with burnout in mental health professionals during their clinical training. Although academic interest in burnout has been growing within the last two decades, the literature regarding burnout during clinical training has yet to be rigorously investigated. The physical and mental health related consequences of burnout, along with associated clinical and financial implications are well documented, warranting further exploration of the individual and organisational correlates of burnout. Seventeen studies were included in the literature review, which included participants training in professions including clinical and counselling psychology, counselling and psychotherapy, and psychiatry. The literature was of moderate-high quality and consisted of cross-sectional research designs. Findings were explored within a framework of individual and situational variables associated with burnout. The more prominent factors explored in the literature included social support within personal and professional relationships, age, and psychological factors such as self-compassion and mindfulness. Findings were critically discussed and implications for further research and clinical practice explored. Part two is an empirical study adopting qualitative methods. This study aimed to explore the experiences of clinical psychologists who had used the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) in their work. The PTMF presents a lens for understanding many forms of distress as an understandable survival response to a range of adverse life experiences, shaped by the operation of power, at both the interpersonal and societal level. The PTMF has gained traction as a model of formulation, and within the training of psychologists and other professionals; however, there has been a lack of research underpinning its use in mental health services. This study aimed to explore the experiences of clinical psychologists who have applied the PTMF to clinical practice within an adult mental health context, with a specific focus on the potential opportunities and impacts of using the framework, and associated challenges. Eleven clinical psychologists participated in semi-structured interviews, and transcripts were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Analysis generated four themes which were critically discussed and situated within an empirical and theoretical landscape. Findings indicated that whilst the PTMF has offered a valued alternative to the ‘medical model’ of distress, there are ongoing challenges in negotiating its use within the current context of mental health services. Recommendations for clinical practice included an emphasis on multi-disciplinary and collaborative approaches to care. The findings highlighted the potential utility of the PTMF as an approach to formulation, whilst also drawing awareness to avenues for further research to explore the possible impacts of applying the PTMF within mental health services. This thesis may therefore be of interest to multi-disciplinary clinicians, professional bodies, and researchers.

Item Type:	Thesis (DClinPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	13 September 2022
Last Modified:	05 Jan 2024 08:26
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/152405

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