Resilience as a Key Indicator of Psychologists’ Success: A Mixed-methods Grounded Theory (MM-GT) Study

Description

Page: 498-504

Sharanya Anil Bajaj, Apoorva Sriram, Shruti Hari, and Rofia Ramesh (Direct- A Centre for Therapeutic Support across Life-span, Chennai, Tamil Nadu)

Global crises, especially such as the pandemic, impacted the lived experiences of many, and of particular interest was that of psychologists. An influx of mental health issues imposed significant demand on psychologists and continued into the post pandemic era. Practising psychologists were faced with a myriad of challenges which tested their professional grit, learning and making difficult decisions. Using a mixed-method grounded theory (MM-GT), this study attempted to understand the magnitude of the experiences for psychologists, both personal and professional. A convergent mixed-method model was used to combine quantitative and qualitative data to identify prevailing theory. Data was collected across India from practising psychologists using a survey, followed-by in-depth interviews with a subset of the participants. Our findings indicate that a key factor that determined the failure and success of any psychologist was resilience; one’s ability to adapt through traumatic, adverse hardships and on-going stressors. Major constructs of resilience that emerged through MM-GT included: adaptability, mindset, versatility, competence, therapeutic malleability and cognitive capacities. Interactions between these constructs were further observed and substantiated through quantitative analysis. Those with resilience had better well-being and professional success through a growth-mindset, adaptability and coping. In the present global situation, the extent to which current trends in education impress upon resilience building as an integral competency or skill came into question. The data further highlights certain systemic challenges that do not bring a common standard of practice across the nation.