Early Career Psychologist Group (Rep.

of Ireland)

Survey Report 2012

Introduction

This report presents the results of a survey undertaken to investigate the views of individuals currently pursuing a career in psychology in the republic of Ireland on the professional and philosophical issues that challenge this endeavour. The survey ran for seven days in November 2011 and was advertised across a number of websites including Facebook, Twitter and Google Groups. Individuals of all ages/qualifications who met the desired criterion (aspiring to a career as a professional psychologist in Ireland) were invited to take part. Data from a total of 139 respondents were collected. A summary of the quantitative data concerning participant qualifications, employment status, work experience and attitudes is listed below to provide context for the opinions discussed in the main body of the essay. These opinions were gathered in response to an open question included in the survey that was intended to elicit personal opinions on the issues that face aspiring psychologists and how they should be addressed. An overview of these views including selected quotations forms the main focus of this essay.

Quantitative Data Demographic Information Respondent Qualifications Of the 139 respondents 40 (28.8%) identified themselves as graduates, 86 (61.9%) as postgraduates, 7 (5%) as holding a PhD and 6 (4.3%) as holding a professional doctorate in psychology.

Current employment status within psychology When asked to describe their current involvement in psychology 19% identified as being employed part time, 22% as employed full time, 28.8% as voluntary part time 6.5% as voluntary full time, 32% as fulltime students and 10.1% as part time student. 93% of those who were currently unemployed indicated that they are currently aiming to gain experience in a relevant

field.

Experience working in mental health setting In terms of experience 65.4% had worked over 6 months in full or parttime voluntary positions. 16% had volunteered full-time for over 6 months. 55% had worked full time paid for over 6 months and 50% were currently unemployed and looking for work.

Attitude scale On a four point scale asking to what extent participants agreed that a

range of issues are problematic 99% agreed that the availability of paid positions in psychology is problematic (84% Strongly Agree) 73% agreed that availability of voluntary positions is problematic (28.5% Strongly Agree) 56% agreed availability of further information is a problematic and 92.7% agreed that regulation of the position of Assistant Psychologist is problematic (75% Strongly Agree).

Qualitative Data

Item 6 posed an open question inviting participants to raise the issues they believed to be currently problematic in the field of psychology in Ireland, as well as the ways in which they would like to see these issues addressed. This question elicited responses from 99 participants. These responses represent the concerns most salient to the survey participants. They pertain to a wide range of complex and interrelated issues, predominantly centring on the structural issues affecting the progression of graduates in psychology within the profession. For the purposes of discussion these responses have been grouped into key themes which cover key areas of concern for respondents along with an indication of the number of respondents who raised this issue. Themes are discussed as they relate to the

nature,

causes and consequences of the issues faced by these individuals as

perceived by respondents.

Defining the Assistant Psychologist (n = 19)

An issue of primary concern to respondents and a useful starting point for this discussion is the need for greater clarity around the meaning of the term Assistant Psychologist. This issues arose in responses relating to a lack of clarity over the structures in place that support and regulate this role and protect the interests of those employed in this capacity. The role of Assistant Psychologist is viewed as a key intermediary position within the profession as in its current state it represents the most recognised bridge between academic and professional psychology. Respondents highlight the absence of guidelines outlining appropriate duties for assistant psychologists as well as the level of supervision and mentoring needed to legitimise this learning experience. R99. For me, as a person trying to gain relevant clinical experience, my main problem would appear to be that there isn't much distinction between posts being advertised as AP positions, whether they are clinical or research positions, and if there will be a certain level of supervision involved. Respondents report role inconsistency in the meaning of the term assistant psychologist across public, private and not-for-profit organisations and claim wide variance in the requirements and responsibilities entailed in these positions. R54. Not only are the they not recognised but all the assistant posts I have worked in/interviewed for offered completely different experiences/ duties. For example, one assistant post allows assistants to conduct assessments, perform 1:1 sessions, another would not allow the selected candidate anywhere near an assessment. This is a huge issue . This is also apparent in how these positions are advertised and compensated. R22. No clear guidelines around clinical supervision for voluntary assistant posts -

posts being advertised as Assistant Posts but not actually furthering one's career due to lack of guidelines and supervision not being carried out by psychologists. Respondents also raise a number of issues that are seen to arise from the lack of clarity in this area including variance in the quality of work experience gained from these positions, as well as the recognition for this experience, and a perception of the potential for exploitation of individuals seeking this experience. R96. Regulation and definitions for assistant psychology positions AND other positions. Although I have not had a problem in the latter myself, I have seen terms like "voluntary" and "trainee" used to pay people less for working a full job in non-assistant psychology positions, such as ABA tutor positions.

Availability of relevant positions (n = 50)

Perhaps the most consistent complaint amongst respondents concerned a perceived low availability of positions providing relevant experience in the field. This problem is core to the concerns of respondents and underlies many of the other issues in the field. The low number of paid positions relative to the number of job seekers in the field is seen to cause high competition between aspiring psychologists and increasing pressure to find relevant employment. R68. The main reason I have chosen to fill in this form is because of the fact that in order to get a job I had to, and I emphasise the word had, to relocate to the UK. I am lucky to be in a position to do so but many aren't. I feel this is the main obstacle facing most individuals. Finding relevant experience is imperative as it forms a requirement for attaining places on professional training courses. R7.The fact that is order to further our careers or get onto further professional courses I.e. Clininal PHD we are expected to have at least 6 months experience in a clinical setting but yet there are no opportunities paid or voluntary to do so. This perceived bottleneck is seen to result in ever increasing requirements for

assistant psychologist positions. As the pool of job seekers grows and up-skills, access for those seeking to gain initial experience in the field is made increasingly difficult. R33.General lack of positions (paid/volunteer/post grad). Everything is based on experience, and it seems even to get experience you need to already have experience. Furthermore there is a perceived erosion of the economic need for employers to financially compensate positions that provide necessary experience due to the availability of highly motivated job seekers who feel they must access relevant experience. R38.The trend toward a full time unpaid positions, it's creating a situation where only those with affluent backgrounds can avail of these. This situation is exacerbated by confusion regarding the requirements for entry onto professional training courses and a dearth of information regarding alternate career paths within psychology (R65).

Voluntary Positions (n = 23)

The trend toward voluntary assistant psychologist positions is the focus of a number of item responses. Respondent raise concerns over the devaluation of this role in response to macro-economic factors, creating a situation where employers no longer feel obliged to financially compensate assistant psychologists for their work, transferring the cost of employing assistant psychologist onto the employees and making the career path highly expensive. R16.The lack of regulation of AP posts is my main concerns, along with the lack of payment for these roles. I don't even get travel expenses covered, and work very hard 3 days a week for free. R11. Inability to financially sustain gaining experience through voluntary roles- for

services to value that gaining experience through voluntary work is beneficial but on a full time basis is not practical in many cases. Many report a concern that this makes progression within the field prohibitive financially for those without large financial backing. R3.I think the current system whereby individuals are working voluntary, especially in cases where this is fulltime, is not good for profession as a whole. It devalues the nature of our work, and unfortunately renders the field of psychology elitist. It is currently a very expensive career path to pursue, leaving a remarked absence of diversity in the field. A number of respondents report personal difficulty managing voluntary part and full time positions with family commitment and financial obligations. R20. There are very few part-time opportunities at post-graduate level; therefore, those of us who have to work full-time in our current non-psychology jobs so we can pay our mortgages and feed our kids cannot gain equitable access to appropriate post-graduate courses nor can we access relevant clinical supervision. It is clear that a number of respondents view the trend toward voluntary positions to be harmful to the equality of opportunity within the profession and that believe this may delay the advance of professional structures around this position. R90.If departments are willing to hire volunteers, rather than fight for funding to provide paid positions, then the post of AP is not likely to become a recognised grade as it is in the UK. This will impede the progression of the discipline of clinical psychology in Ireland.

Academic preparation (n =19)

A large number of respondents point to the academic preparation received by students of psychology as one of the roots of the current difficulties with smooth professional advancement in the field. A perceived lack of integration

between academic and professional psychology in Ireland, as well as with mental health organisations in general, is blamed for the difficulties students encounter transitioning from academic to professional training. R35. Having gained little or no practical experience in our undergrads we are disadvantaged when trying to gain experience. More applied skills need to be incorporated into our degrees to increase our employability so that we might gain the relevant experience we need. Professional training courses make work experience a requirement for entry however many respondents feel that this is not supported at undergraduate level as many undergraduate programmes do not provide work placements or career guidance as standard . R41. At the degree level I feel that little is offered in ways of guidance towards future opportunities. Even basic information such as potential organisations to gain experience with is lacking. There seems to be barely any connection between departments and relevant organisations. This is unacceptable whether or not paid positions are available. Many respondents report feeling under prepared for gaining access to the employment market which tends to emphasise work experience, often above academic achievement. R64. It is absolute nonsense that you can do a 4 year psychology degree and have little or no employability in any kind of structured career path. A disconnect is perceived between university psychology departments and mental health organisations which creates gaps through which students are falling out of the field. R72. Unlike other European universities, Irish universities don't offer any practical training for undergraduates. We are then expected to get this experience primarily on a voluntary basis until we have achieved a sufficient level of experience where we attempt to be in paid employment. In the meantime, after studying for years, what are we meant to survive on???

Informal Information Networks (n = 19)

In place of formal, structured and open information networks which aspiring psychologists can access, respondents perceive opaque, informal information networks that must be approached independently. R9.There is no clear career pathway to becoming an employable Psychologist and a lack of transparency in how Assistant posts are advertised and regulated. R27 There is no point of contact for employers, employees, students and volunteers to share experiences, upcoming jobs and vacancies and advice, beyond the PSI and many small, unlinked psych groups. It's hard to get information generally, from jobs to degrees to volunteering. Aspiring psychologists report a sense of isolation upon leaving university without a point of contact with professionals and colleagues in the field. R79. I remember the isolation that I felt when I graduated from university. I didn't know anything about Google groups and I couldn't find any psychology related experience advertised on job websites. I had to find my own work experience and I didn't expect that would be so difficult and also unpaid. One potentially damaging concern among respondents is that inequity is arising between those with social access to professional psychologists and those without. R28.The vast majority of positions are not advertised, its very much who you know that will depend on you getting either a paid or voluntary position. Respondents decry the lack of a unified, open systematic network that can connect graduates to employers in a transparent and fair manner. R36. [Psychology needs] the establishment of a specific forum for advertising assistant psychologist posts which would allow information about upcoming posts to be easily accessible - A requirement to advertise assistant psychologist posts so positions are not filled internally.

Professional and Ethical Concerns (n= 17)

A number of professional and ethical considerations resulting from the current structural deficits within the profession are raised by the survey. Respondents raise ethical concerns over the variance in supervision and regulation of Assistant Psychologist, where the lack of clear guidelines limiting their duties and promoting best practice creates opportunities and motive to engage in unethical practice. R47.Simply a major lack of regulation in the work APs are expected to carry out. I think anyone out there involved within an AP role knows how you're often asked to do work that is above their level of training i.e. therapy with clients that they should not be doing... Concerns surround the treatment of patients by unqualified assistant psychologists, the overworking of unpaid assistant psychologists and the undermining of the ethical practices in the field as a result of competitive pressures to access relevant experience. R47. ...It seems like the APs involved with this sort of work make it onto training programmes. What does that tell anyone who is trying to follow the PSI Ethical Guidelines? Follow them and you won't become a Clinical Psychologist. Pretty worrying that for a career built around ethical treatment of clients that to get there you have to behave unethically. Beyond these immediate concerns the lack of structure within the field is perceived to be creating an uncertainty that is heightening the already intense competition for places on professional training courses with negative consequences for the profession in the long term. R17. I think that the small amount of assistant psychologist positions available creates a highly competitive environment for psychology graduates and students. Such a competitive nature could be detrimental for areas such as clinical and counselling psychology as it contrasts the caring nature that is integral in such roles. I feel that some people get lost in the competitiveness that surrounds psychology in Ireland and that at times the compassion for the people that we all wanted to help from the outset is often lost.

Exploitation (n= 7)

The combination of limited assistant psychologist positions, high numbers of aspiring psychologists, and the requirement of substantial relevant work experience for entry into professional training courses has created an economic context where psychological graduates are increasingly willing to work in clinically relevant positions without monetary compensation . R53.The main issue, as I see it, is the lack of graduate-level paid employment opportunities. This has led to the emergence of highly competitive voluntary posts, which are frequently unregulated and inadequately supervised. In my estimation it is bordering on exploitation, albeit that psychology graduates are opting to undertake this work of their own volition (as the only ticket for clinical). It is clear that a number of respondents view this dynamic to be exploitative of graduates as their labour is used to alternatively increase output and profit (in private organisations) and/or cut down on the work loads of psychologists (in the public/not for profit organisations,) often working for and performing similar duties to professionals who are receiving financial compensation. 68.I feel that a lack of a structured system within the field, which is evident in practice in the UK is what is lacking in Ireland. It means that individuals in need of experience are being taken advantage of (I know people that volunteer for 40 hours a week without even being provided with any travel allowance!) and budding psychologists fall behind their peers in other fields who are stepping on to the employment ladder and moving forward with their lives. The argument being that while individuals may be willing to work without pay in order to gain vital experience this work is not strictly voluntary as it is a requirement for progression in the field. As such the field is structurally exploitative of this labour. The argument centres on the question of whether relevant experience is adequate compensation for the labour of these individuals. It is clear that many individuals working in these roles believe it is not.

R90. The issue of the hiring of unpaid assistant psychologists and volunteers is problematic for a number of reasons. It inevitably leads to the exploitation of individuals who need to gain experience to further their careers. Beyond this however survey responses raise the issue of whether the use of aspiring psychologists as a pool of free labour is a morally sustainable position in a field concerned with ethical practice and psychological well-being. R90. It is morally reprehensible to expect an individual with 3-5 years of university education behind them to use their skills and work for free in a challenging environment. Organisations and individual practitioners are guilty of continuing to exploit psychology graduates. If it is a case that funding is not available for these positions, then APs should not be hired.

The Macro Perspective

Respondents are not without an understanding of the impact of the wider social context on the causes of the difficulties within the field. A number of perspectives are put forward including the national and international economic context, the societal perception of the value of psychological practice, the emergent state of the profession and the quality and concerns of the main representative body for psychologists, the PSI. R14 I think a massive problem at the moment is the fact that the country has no money to be honest and psychologists are still seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. So we are up against that attitude from the outset really. The overarching view of the difficulties faced by aspiring psychologists is that they are structural in nature and integral to the organisation of the field.

R30. I think so many people in Ireland are aiming to get onto a clinical course but few realise that we are graduating way above the numbers we have jobs for. I think if there were more opportunities for other avenues of psychology apart from clinical that would be better. There is recognition that psychology is an emerging field and faces challenges that are less salient in other more established professions. R47. I think the difficulty is that psychology in Ireland is at such an embryonic stage that there are not enough qualified professionals to maintain and regulate the PSI to a level like the BPS. However this recognition does little to diminish the sense of dissatisfaction with the current state of the profession as perceived by its latest entrants. A dissatisfaction that will have an increasing negative impact on the profession the longer it continues. R77. All considered, I think the landscape that psychology graduates meet (including myself) is unsupportive, unstructured, ambiguous, conflicting and haphazard. While the work and positive efforts towards reforming and managing the challenges within the profession are appreciated by those who encounter them, an overarching pessimism is evident in the outlook of many respondents 87.I perceive the issue as an economic one, though. I do not believe the vast majority of professional psychologists are satisfied with the current situation. The number, albeit limited, of paid assistant roles available is a credit to those individuals who established and supervise them. At the risk of sounding fatalistic; As part of the wider mental health professions, the current plight of aspiring psychologists is simply not important/dire enough for the HSE to take action, which would be required, I think, for formalised structures.

Conclusion

It is apparent from the evidence of this survey that the field of psychology in Ireland is beset by a number of challenging and damaging philosophical and professional issues that are frustrating and inhibiting the professional development of the current generation of aspiring psychologists and with them the profession of psychology in Ireland as a whole. R52. I feel that without a professional body that is inclusive and progressive there is no consolidation of power or stance in Psychology which is inherently damaging to our position as professionals. The state of graduate jobs in Psychology is woeful - this was the case even prerecession. Through the development of a cohesive professional body and gaining the support of qualified Psychologists 'at the top' a case can be made for further development of graduate jobs which promotes the high skill set of graduate Psychologists. In spite of and indeed as a result of, the current challenges being faced at the national level, it is vital that these issues be addressed. Greater efforts must be made to restructure the field of psychology in response to these issues if the profession is to appropriately and efficiently exploit the wealth of talent available to it in the service of society.