Demographic Characteristics of Clinical Psychology Internees

Abstract

The influence of Clinical Internees’ demographic characteristics on their training performance is an important factor, yet relatively overlooked. The present study aimed to examine the Clinical Internee’s demographic profile to assess its role on outcome performance variables (academics, clinical and research performance) during Clinical Psychology Training at Postgraduate Level. A cohort study comprised of archival data of Clinical Internees who were selected in Master of Science (MS) and Advanced Diploma in Clinical Psychology (ADCP) Program during year 2008-2012 (N = 200) were analyzed retrospectively on their performance. Postgraduate Clinical Training attracts a large number of entrants each year. Although clinical internees appeared to be more diverse in certain aspects but female form a majority of applicants, within the age range of 21-36 years (M = 23.56, SD = 1.87). A substantial number of Postgraduate trainees reside in hostels and had exceptional previous academic performance. Living status of the Master in Science (MS) Clinical Internees were found to be significantly negatively correlated with clinical performance. However, a significant negative correlation was found between previous academic score and outcome performance variables of Advanced Diploma in Clinical Psychology trainees. The present study illustrates the impact of Clinical Internees’ demographic characteristics on their outcome performance during Clinical Psychology Training. It is pertinent to review the profile of Clinical Internees to provide an opportunity to selectors to improve the quality of Clinical Training at Postgraduate level.