Does participation in structured group supervision impact experiences of transition to the workforce?: A survey of psychology registrars

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective The transition to the workforce can be stressful for psychology registrars. Supervision can be a protective factor during this transition. However, the incremental benefit of adding structured group supervision to individual supervision remains unclear. We aimed to explore the impact of registrars’ participation in structured group supervision offered within Australian Health services. Method We surveyed Australian psychology registrars who had and had not participated in a structured group supervision programmes about their experiences and satisfaction with supervision, and its impact on development of foundational competencies and transition to professional work roles. Results Participants were 63 psychology registrars (95% in clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology). Group comparisons using independent-samples t-tests revealed that registrars who had participated in structured group supervision (n = 32) were more confident in the key foundational competencies of “communication and interpersonal relationships” (d = .53) and “intervention strategies” (d = .57), and felt more supported by their workplace (d = .73), than participants with no structured group supervision (n = 31). Conclusions Structured group supervision appears to offer additional work role adjustment benefits for psychology registrars. Further studies are needed on the structured group supervision experience for Australian early-career psychologists to guide future implementation of these programme across health services. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: (1) The transition to the workforce is a stressful time for graduates. (2) Supervision is an essential part of psychology training that helps to develop skills and confidence in practitioners. (3) There are a range of benefits of group supervision including peer feedback and enhanced public speaking skills.What this topic adds: (1) Specific additional benefits of structured group supervision include feeling more supported by the workplace and being better able to meet registrar program requirements. (2) Structured group supervision programs may enhance perceived development of foundational competencies, including communication and interpersonal relationships and intervention strategies. (3) Provision of structured group supervision programs by Australian health services could help attract and retain a loyal early-career psychology workforce who feel valued and more confident.