| Abstract: |
ObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusion\nKEY POINTSDespite increasing reliance in Australia on the 5+1 psychology training pathway, little is known about sixth-year intern experiences. This study addressed this gap, informing future models of training.Using a cross-sectional design, current and past interns (N = 126; Mage = 39.57, SDage = 11.62; 82.5% women) responded to an online Qualtrics survey about intern and internship characteristics, and internship satisfaction.Interns had high rates of carer responsibilities (37%), and prior education (60%) and careers (54%) in other fields. Support and oversight were limited, with 41% struggling financially, 78% had out-of-pocket expenses, and 28% worked, on average 21 h (SD = 11) per week in addition to their internship. Private practices were the most common setting (39%), 6% reported contractor arrangements, and 43% reported employers prioritised business needs over learning. Internship and pathway satisfaction was generally high, though 25% expressed internship dissatisfaction, 29% expressed negative attitudes towards the profession, and 19% regretted choosing the pathway.Although interns predominantly value the 5+1 pathway, these data reveal concerning trends of inadequate financial and employer support and insufficient oversight. Should the expansion of psychology internship models continue, employers and the regulator must consider the lived experiences of psychology interns.What is already known about the topic: There is a growing and unmet demand for psychological services in Australia, and the 5 + 1 internship pathway to registration as a psychologist offers a viable opportunity for responding to this service-gap.Despite calls to better understand the internship pathway, no studies have documented the experiences of sixth-year interns in Australia or described internship characteristics.Continuing to grow internship models without consideration of what is or is not working in the current model risks blind expansion.There is a growing and unmet demand for psychological services in Australia, and the 5 + 1 internship pathway to registration as a psychologist offers a viable opportunity for responding to this service-gap.Despite calls to better understand the internship pathway, no studies have documented the experiences of sixth-year interns in Australia or described internship characteristics.Continuing to grow internship models without consideration of what is or is not working in the current model risks blind expansion.What this topic adds: Interns were older than provisional psychologists nationally and had high rates of carer responsibilities as well as prior education and careers in various fields.Interns were mostly satisfied with their internships and the pathway, though many reported a lack of support (e.g., low pay and learning not prioritised).Greater employer support of interns and regulatory oversight is needed to ensure the viability of internship models in Australia.Interns were older than provisional psychologists nationally and had high rates of carer responsibilities as well as prior education and careers in various fields.Interns were mostly satisfied with their internships and the pathway, though many reported a lack of support (e.g., low pay and learning not prioritised).Greater employer support of interns and regulatory oversight is needed to ensure the viability of internship models in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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