Dorman HR, Strong JV, Tighe CA, Mast BT, Allen RS. Geropsychology career pipeline perceptions.
J Clin Psychol 2020;
77:90-104. [PMID:
32761867 DOI:
10.1002/jclp.23035]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Using the framework of Social Cognitive Career Theory, this study aimed to ascertain attitudes and perceptions of geropsychology career paths, given the present notable geriatric workforce shortage.
METHODS
An online survey was developed iteratively and disseminated through various modalities (i.e., internet, email, word-of-mouth). Participants included 28 predoctoral and 76 professional geropsychologists (N = 107; age M = 39.18, SD = 12.05). The sample was largely female (72%), non-Hispanic White (89%), and has or was working towards their PhD (82%).
RESULTS
Results delineate attractive and unattractive aspects of common career options (academic, clinical Veterans Affairs [VA], clinical non-VA), and assessed the hypothetical proclivity and feasibility of switching between academic and clinically focused careers. The results found gender (women vs. men) and career stages (predoctoral vs. professional) to be significant contributors to career perceptions.
CONCLUSIONS
The present study advances past literature by unveiling potential avenues to ameliorate this workforce shortage within both clinical and academic fields in geropsychology.
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