Date of Award
2004
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
There has been a recent emphasis in the professional literature on the importance of psychologists utilizing a variety of self-care activities in order to buffer against and combat the stressors inherent to their careers. In addition, it has been suggested that due to the proliferation of managed care and other "seismic shifts" within the profession, that hazards associated with the career have increased, while rewards have decreased. There is currently limited information available regarding the extent to which psychologists in independent practice engage in various self-care activities, the perceived helpfulness of engaging in these activities, and relationships among self-care and outcome measures (i.e., satisfaction levels). The focus of thisDissertation was to comprehensively investigate self-care, identified rewards and hazards, and satisfaction levels in a group of established and experienced private practitioners. The current study is part of an ongoing study examining practice patterns and trends of the independent practice ofPsychology. One hundred and four members of the American Psychological Association Division of Psychologists in Independent Practice responded to the survey. Results indicate that psychologists in independent practice engage in a wide variety of personal and professional self-care activities, and tend to find engagement in these activities as helpful. Psychologists reported greater rewards in comparison to hazards associated with their careers and overall reported being "satisfied" with their personal and professional lives. Psychologists who reported greater rewards, fewer hazards, higher satisfaction with their personal lives, and a small percentage of managed care clientele were most likely to report higher levels of professional satisfaction. Recommendations are presented for professionals and for graduate and professional training.
Recommended Citation
Buley, Joshua M., "Self -Care, Perceived Rewards & Hazards, And Personal & Professional Satisfaction In Psychologists In Independent Practice" (2004). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1055.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/1055