Black Clinical Psychologists' Lived Experiences of Career Progression in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to gain a better understanding of Black clinical psychologists' experiences of career progression in the United Kingdom (UK). Design: A qualitative design was employed. This study used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) research design. Methods: One-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted online to explore 11 Black clinical psychologists' experiences of career progression. Results: Using the IPA process, three themes emerged: (1) ‘Working five times as hard to get half as far’, describing participants' experiences of having to work above and beyond to access the same opportunities as their White colleagues; (2) ‘A Psychologist who happens to be Black or a Black Psychologist’, reflecting participants' experiences of being othered and confronting the pressure and responsibility of being Black in a White-dominated profession; and (3) a catalyst to moving forward, highlighting interpersonal and intrapersonal sources of support that contribute to workforce well-being and positively influence career progression. Conclusion: The findings provide vital insight into participants' experiences of both barriers and facilitators to career progression throughout their professional careers. In addition, the research highlighted the need for training courses, organisations and NHS Trusts to demonstrate commitment to providing equitable career development opportunities.