Exploring experiences of wellbeing amongst psychological professionals in healthcare

Hussey, Chloe

Abstract

This thesis portfolio comprises three parts: a systematic literature review, an empirical paper and appendices. This thesis aims to explore experiences of wellbeing amongst psychological professionals working within healthcare, with a particular focus on thriving at work.
Part One: Systematic Literature Review
The systematic literature review explored conceptualisations of wellbeing within the qualitative literature regarding psychological practitioners in healthcare. It also explored psychological practitioners’ experiences of wellbeing at work in healthcare. Twelve studies were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria following a systematic search of the literature. A narrative synthesis was undertaken to inform of an overall picture of understandings and experiences of wellbeing amongst psychological practitioners in healthcare. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Methodological Quality Checklist for Qualitative Studies was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Two main themes emerged: heterogeneity in understanding wellbeing, with different theoretical conceptualisations of wellbeing across studies. Secondly, practitioners experienced a journey of wellbeing over the course of their careers, with feeling a sense of purpose in their roles playing a key part in their wellbeing at work. Clinical implications and further areas for research are discussed.
Part Two: Empirical Paper
The empirical paper explored clinical psychologists’ (CPs) experiences of thriving at work within a National Health Service (NHS) context. A qualitative Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology was employed. Ten participants completed semi-structured interviews. Four core conditions were identified which needed to be fulfilled for CPs to thrive at work: making a difference as a clinical psychologist, working in line with personal, professional, and organisational values, growing and developing as a professional, and safety: psychologically safe environments and job security. These conditions were subject to multiple threats in the current NHS context, which CPs attempted to overcome in various ways. The findings suggested that CPs can thrive within their roles, and that they played an active role in shaping their thriving at work. Recommendations for further research are discussed, alongside the implications of this research in clinical practice and training contexts.
Part Three comprises the Appendices
The appendices contain further information to support the systematic literature review and empirical paper. The role of the researcher is also considered further in the epistemological and reflective statements.

Citation

Hussey, . C. Exploring experiences of wellbeing amongst psychological professionals in healthcare. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4448366

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Nov 21, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 23, 2023
• Keywords: Clinical psychology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4448366
• Additional Information: School of Psychology and Social Work; University of Hull
• Award Date: Sep 19, 2023