The development of professional identity in clinical psychologists: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: Our professional identity refers to our sense of who we are and how we should behave as professionals. Professional identities are developed through socialisation processes: Established ways of knowing and doing are acquired and reproduced. The professional identities of health care professionals have implications for the realisation of health care reforms that require new ways of being and doing from clinicians. Tension and frustration can arise when professional identities are incongruent with reform directions. More knowledge is required about the professional identities of mental health care professionals—including clinical psychologists—so that they can be supported to develop professional identities that align with health care system reforms. Method: We undertook a scoping review of existing literature aiming to (i) identify the relevant literature; (ii) review the literature quality; (iii) thematically summarise the literature findings; (iv) consult with clinical psychologists; and (v) identify recommendations for research, training and practice. Results: A systematic database search (PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science) identified 24 relevant published articles and dissertations. Quantitative studies were excluded due to their markedly different research focus. Included studies were independently reviewed and findings summarised. Findings were organised around three themes: ‘integration of personal and professional identities’, ‘intersectionality’ and ‘changes in professional identity over time’. Research quality issues were identified. The trustworthiness of the findings was corroborated in consultation with clinical psychologists. Discussion: Clinical psychologists recognise their professional identities as being interrelated with their personal identities and changing over time. They recognised professional identity as important yet inadequately considered in the profession. The research area is emerging yet remains undertheorised and requires improved research methodologies. Future theoretically informed research is required to build up a credible research base to better understand the development of clinical psychologists' professional identities so that this process can be facilitated to enable the realisation of health care reforms.