Psychological intervention as an aspect of the professional identity of psychologists: Latvian sample

Elīna Akmane, Kristīne Mārtinsone, Zane Krieke, Agnese Kolmane, Miguel Bernardo Ricou da Costa Macedo, Sílvia Marina Amado Cordeiro

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

Abstract

Professional identity is formed by combination of several aspects, including professional practice, which, in terms of psychologists, relates to psychological interventions and assessment. Professional identity of psychologists is an important research subject because other practicing professionals are trying to perform activities linked to psychological intervention. Thus, it is essential to determine clear boundaries between psychological intervention and all other interventions. The purpose of this paper was to investigate psychological interventions and performed functions of Latvian psychologists as an aspect of their professional identity. Data were collected through an online survey developed in the framework of the international project Identity of Psychology. All procedures of translation and validation of the questions from English to Latvian were accomplished. Sample consisted of 54 Latvian psychologists of which 49 were women and 5 were men (n = 5) aged from 25 to 60 years (M = 44.94; SD = 8.98). Data were analysed using thematic categorical content analysis. Findings indicate clear diversity in the opinion about the identity of psychology among Latvian psychologists. More consensus can be seen in terms of exclusive tasks performed by psychologists. Nevertheless, during the data analysis numerous subcategories were created regarding the exclusive goal of psychological intervention and the tasks of psychologists that might be performed by other professionals. Moreover, several subcategories overlap in all three content items indicating apparent disagreement among Latvian psychologists of their professional practice. The results of this study indicate limited agreement and comprehension of Latvian psychologists about their professional practice which leads to necessity for further research to investigate the causes of such outcome to determine solutions on how to strengthen their professional identity. Moreover, results are in accordance with other studies in other countries as Portugal and lead us to the need to develop clear definitions about the goals of psychological intervention. 
Original languageEnglish
Pages138
Publication statusPublished - 24 Mar 2021
EventRSU Research week 2021: Society. Health. Welfare - Rīga Stradiņš University, Rīga, Latvia
Duration: 24 Mar 202126 Mar 2021
Conference number: 8
https://rw2021.rsu.lv/conferences/society-health-welfare

Conference

ConferenceRSU Research week 2021: Society. Health. Welfare
Country/TerritoryLatvia
CityRīga
Period24/03/2126/03/21
Internet address

Field of Science*

  • 5.1 Psychology

Publication Type*

  • 3.4. Other publications in conference proceedings (including local)

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