Protection from the occupational hazards of psychological practice
Stress, vicarious trauma, burnout, compassion fatigue – these are just some of the occupational hazards for psychologists in professional practice. Although psychology is a highly rewarding profession, the demands of working with people and organisations in distress, the professional and ethical obligations and the challenges of confidential and non-reciprocal client relationships make practising psychologists highly vulnerable to stress.
The challenging and complex nature of psychological practice can be exacerbated by inadequate professional support, professional isolation, overwork and a lack of balance with non-work activities. Those drawn to psychological practice can tend to focus more on the needs of others than their own, have unrealistic self expectations and can at times be overinvolved with their work. These tendencies increase the vulnerability to occupational stress.
Neglect of occupational hazards can have damaging consequences for psychologists, their clients and the broader profession. For psychologists, the personal risks are depression and anxiety, stress-related illness, job dissatisfaction and burnout, alcohol and drug dependence, relationship breakdown and even suicide. These consequences can also result in unprofessional behaviours and ethical violations, with damaging impacts on clients and the reputation of the psychology profession.
Given the risks, there is a surprising paucity of research on the incidence of occupational stress amongst psychologists. A recent Australian study found high levels of burnout reported among Australian psychologists, with no significant differences found between psychologists working in private practice and those in non-private practice settings (Swadling & Di Benedetto, 2014). A 2010 survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 40-60 per cent of the responding practitioners reported at least a little disruption in professional functioning due to burnout, anxiety or depression. Eighteen percent acknowledged that they had had suicidal ideation while dealing with personal and professional stressors or challenges (APA, 2010). An international study found evidence suggestive of an elevated risk of suicide for psychologists in past decades (Kleepsies et al., 2011).
All psychologists are at risk of role-related stress and its consequences, and have an ethical obligation – if not a personal imperative – to take these risks seriously and protect themselves. There are warning signs that should be heeded. This cover feature, presented as the new work year of 2015 gets into full swing, aims to encourage psychologists to honestly assess their role‑related risks as well as their own psychological needs, and to proactively engage in self-care so they can be their best for everyone and enjoy long and satisfying careers.
| Loss of pleasure in work |
- Loss of pleasure in work
- Depression (sleep or appetite disturbance, lethargy, negative mood)
- Inability to focus or concentrate; forgetfulness
- Anxiety
- Substance use/abuse or other compulsive behaviours to manage stress
- More frequent clinical errors
- Less contact with colleagues
- ‘Workaholism’
- Persistent thoughts about clients and their clinical material
- Intrusive imagery from clients’ traumatic material
- Increased cynicism, overgeneralised negative beliefs
- Increased isolation from or conflict with intimates
- Chronic irritability, impatience
- Increased reactivity and loss of objectivity and perspective in work
- Suicidal thoughts
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References
American Psychological Association. (2010). Survey findings emphasize the importance of self-care for psychologists. Retrieved from: http://www.apapracticecentral.org/update/2010/08-31/survey.aspx; Di Benedetto, M. & Swadling, M.(2014). Burnout in Australian psychologists: Correlations with work-setting, mindfulness and self-care behaviours. Psychology, Health and Medicine, 19(6), 705-715; Kleespies, P. et al. (2011). Psychologist suicide: Incidence, impact, and suggestions for prevention, intervention and postvention. Professional Psychology Reserves, 42, 244-251.
Disclaimer: Published in InPsych on February 2015. The APS aims to ensure that information published in InPsych is current and accurate at the time of publication. Changes after publication may affect the accuracy of this information. Readers are responsible for ascertaining the currency and completeness of information they rely on, which is particularly important for government initiatives, legislation or best-practice principles which are open to amendment. The information provided in InPsych does not replace obtaining appropriate professional and/or legal advice.