What works for psychological interventions designed to increase wellbeing in psychological therapy trainees? A systematic review

Abstract

Purpose This systematic review aims to identify what works for psychological interventions or teaching strategies designed to improve wellbeing in psychological therapy trainees (PTTs). Design/methodology/approach A systematic review was conducted in keeping with best-practice guidelines. The protocol for the review was registered prospectively on PROSPERO. Findings Seventy studies were included in the review. The balance of evidence across quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies cautiously suggests that interventions designed to improve PTT wellbeing may be of value. Novel findings regarding barriers and facilitators of successful intervention were identified. Particularly notable in this regard was the finding that providing trainees with a degree of choice or control over elements of the intervention appeared to be an important facilitator of success. Importantly, however, the review identified a number of methodological weaknesses in the literature, undermining the certainty of findings. More high-quality research is needed to answer the questions of the review decisively. Practical implications Evidence tentatively suggests that interventions to support trainee wellbeing are often received well by trainees and are frequently perceived by trainees as beneficial. Providing trainees with some degree of choice or control regarding how to engage with wellbeing interventions during training may be important. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review to systematically identify and synthesise findings on this important topic.