Real change or performative anti-racism? Clinical psychology programs' efforts to recruit and retain BIPOC scholars

Objective. The present study assessed perceptions of Clinical Psychology doctoral programs’ efforts to recruit and retain Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) faculty and graduate students, as well as differences in such perceptions based on participants’: (1) position within their program (i.e., graduate student versus faculty) and (2) race.Method. Participants (n = 297) were graduate students and faculty from Clinical Psychology PhD and PsyD programs who completed an anonymous online survey. The survey assessed: perceptions of Clinical Psychology doctoral programs’ efforts to recruit and retain BIPOC graduate students and faculty members; participants’ sense of belonging and perceptions of racial discrimination within programs; and BIPOC participants’ experiences of cultural taxation and racism within their programs.Results. Faculty reported significantly greater perceptions of recruitment and retention efforts as well as less perceptions of racial discrimination than did graduate students. Asian, Black, and Latinx participants reported significantly less perceptions of recruitment and retention efforts and sense of belongingness, as well as greater perceptions of racial discrimination than did White participants. Experiences of cultural taxation were common among BIPOC participants, and approximately half (46.60%) reported that they have considered leaving academia - and approximately one third (31.37%) have considered leaving their program - due to experiences of racism in their program or field. Conclusions. Experiences of cultural taxation and racial discrimination are pervasive in Clinical Psychology PhD and PsyD programs. Whether intentional or not, these behaviors contribute to racially toxic environments and contribute to leaks in the mental health workforce pipeline.

Positive psychology: hope and its role within mental health nursing

This is the twelfth article in a series that explores the meaning of positive psychology and the impact it has on the wellbeing of the mental health workforce. It will focus on positive psychology interventions that help to develop hope and considers how its uplifting effect, through contemporary use in the field of mental health nursing, can be experienced. This article initially introduces the concept of hope then links it with the field of positive psychology. It then focuses on Snyder's theory of hope and its use in promoting wellbeing. It follows with the application of hope within the nursing context. Finally, it refers to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and how hope may be used to support the mental health nursing workforce. The practical activities provided in the article will help the reader increase their own awareness of hope and consider ways to develop its use and transferability within their own life..

The importance of motivational postures to mental health regulators: Lessons for Victoria’s mental health system in reducing the use of force

Objective: To consider whether research into “motivational postures” can assist the Victorian Government and the forthcoming Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission to regulate and implement forthcoming mental health laws. Conclusion: Although no research explicitly uses a motivational postures framework, there is evidence of a diverse set of postures amongst the mental health workforce. Some practitioners and disciplines reflect positive motivational postures towards mental health laws and consumer rights, while others show resistance, and others disengagement altogether. More research explicitly built on motivational postures is required to inform appropriate regulatory responses.

Evaluation of mental health professionals’ views of a higher education scholarship scheme designed to enhance workforce development

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the use of a scholarship scheme to support mental health workforce development. Design/methodology/approach Nursing and allied health recipients (n = 72) of a scholarship for postgraduate mental health study provided quantitative and qualitative feedback via an online survey. Findings Benefits of the scholarship scheme include helping to overcome financial barriers to accessing higher education, increased motivation to study, increased knowledge and skills and enhanced positive feelings towards the recipient’s organisation. A total of 44% of participants reported being majorly or completely influenced to remain working in the organisation due to provision of the scholarship. Originality/value This study asks recipients to evaluate the scholarship scheme rather than the associated postgraduate education and provides preliminary support that scholarships are beneficial even when the amount of funding is less than half of course fees and the support from the employer is primarily monetary. The provision of scholarship funding can encourage existing professionals to undertake postgraduate study and attract them to pursue mental health specialisation instead of other health specialisations. Provision of scholarships is one strategy which can positively impact on mental health workforce retention in allied health professionals.

Positive psychology: humour and its role within mental health nursing

This is the eleventh article in a series that explores the meaning of positive psychology and the importance it has on the wellbeing of the mental health workforce. It focuses on positive psychology interventions that help to develop humour and considers how the uplifting effect of humour can be experienced through contemporary use in the field of mental health nursing. This article will connect theories of humour that link to wellbeing. It introduces the concept of positive psychology and its links with humour. Finally, it follows with the application of humour within the nursing context. The practical activities provided in the article will help the reader increase their own awareness of their own character strength of humour, observe the type of humour they use and consider ways to develop its use and transferability within their own lifestyle.