Keep the bounce in your step: Developing resilience as a Mental Health Psychology Practitioner during Covid -19.

Abstract

During times of excessive stress, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to examine factors that might enhance resilience in Mental Health Psychology Practitioners, as their role in fighting off the negative psychological effects of COVID-19, is crucial. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate how the pandemic affected the mental health and wellbeing of Mental Health Psychology Practitioners and the strategies they employed to demonstrate resilience. The study used an exploratory, inductive, qualitative approach, featuring semi-structured interviews with nine MHPPs who performed their duties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematically analysed data (Braun & Clarke, 2013) identified three main themes (consisting of two subthemes each), ranging from experiences of vicarious traumatisation, personal vs. professional identity, through to the strategies participants employ to demonstrate resilience and maintain their wellbeing. This paper focuses on the latter theme, exploring the role of internal coping mechanisms and external factors in helping MHPPS maintaining positive wellbeing and developing resilience during these unprecedented times. Participants reported that strategies, such as meditation and mindfulness, helped them in managing their emotions and increased self-awareness, whereas frequent, systematic supervision sessions and collegial support were described as key factors affecting their wellbeing in a positive way. The results of this study can inform the development of resources and interventions for this group of professionals to render them less susceptible to occupational risks and, therefore, be of better assistance to the service users.