“You can’t bully me anymore”: Coping strategies in a group of psychologists accused of professional misconduct

Abstract

Upon receiving a professional misconduct complaint, practitioners are required to manage the complaint process while continuing with their professional work. The stress of a complaint may manifest in emotional difficulties and physical symptoms calling for supportive intervention. We explored the coping strategies used by a group of South African psychologists (n = 10; females = 8; age range = 45–70 years) who managed a professional misconduct complaint. Participants completed semi-structured interviews on how they coped with the experience of a complaint, their coping strategies, and who or what helped them to cope. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that on a personal and professional level, the psychologists coped by employing cognitive-behavioural strategies and utilising personal and professional support systems. Their personal coping strategies included seeking out support structures, developing other interests and roles, drawing on existing personal strengths and attributes, and reappraising the complaint through faith and humour. Strategies for professional support included doing research, purposefully sharing the experience with others, responding to the complaint, continuing to work, and accepting the risks of psychological practice. Regarding canvassing support from their personal and professional networks, the practitioners received additional supervision, shared their experience to inform and teach others, and utilised professional services where necessary. We conclude that practitioner psychologists with a professional misconduct complaint canvas both their personal and professional resources to resolve the distress of a complaint.