How many Trainee Clinical Psychologists (TCPs) in the UK self-report lived mental health experience (LMHE)?

Abstract

Lived mental health experience’ (LMHE) describes direct impact of a mental health problem and/or being a mental health carer. LMHE among Trainee Clinical Psychologists (TCP) is rarely investigated despite encountering challenges throughout training. The current study aimed to estimate point, period, and lifetime prevalence of LMHE among TCPs. UK-based TCPs (N=301) completed an online survey. Results found 39.9% identified as a mental health carer at some point in life (current for 21.2%; historical for 32.8%) with 38.5% acquiring mental health carer responsibilities before training, and 6.6% since training commenced. Additionally, 44.9% and 45.2% respectively reported experiencing a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health problem at some point in life (current for 55.8%; historical for 63.6%). Moreover, 86.4% reported a mental health problem prior to training, and 11.2% since training started. TCPs are likely to experience a mental health problem or identify as a mental health carer at some point in their life either before or during their doctoral training. This is the first study to estimate point, period and lifetime prevalence of self-reported lived mental health experience among UK based TCPs. Although just an estimate, dissemination of prevalence rates to DClinPsy course staff and employing trusts may be useful to prompt development of supportive resources and adaptations for TCPS with LMHE. This may also facilitate normalisation of LMHE within this population and combat stigma.