An Exploration of the Factors Influencing the Consideration of a Career in Clinical Psychology by Undergraduates from Minority Ethnic Backgrounds: A Q-Methodological Study

ABSTRACT It is widely acknowledged that the under-representation of minority ethnic individuals within the profession of clinical psychology is an area of concern. There are several issues contained within this concern: whether clinical psychology has the ability to adequately meet the psychological needs of minority ethnic individuals; whether every individual, regardless of ethnic background, has an equal chance of being accepted onto clinical psychology training courses; and what factors affect whether minority ethnic students choose a career in clinical psychology. There are many points in an individual's career trajectory where decisions are made or career options are closed down for the individual. One such point is during undergraduate psychology course. However, there is very little research concerning the perceptions of clinical psychology held by minority ethnic psychology undergraduates. The present study investigated the factors influencing the consideration of a career in clinical psychology. Thirty seven second and third year undergraduate psychology students at the University of East London took part in a Q methodological study, in which a range of views about issues that attract and deter individuals when considering a career in clinical psychology could be subjectively expressed. Eight distinct narratives concerning views about the perception of career in clinical psychology emerged from the analysis of the participants sorting of statements about clinical psychology. These accounts suggest that issues such as the vocational aspects of clinical psychology, the consideration that clinical psychology is a mostly white profession and cultural barriers are all important considerations when deciding a career path. The implications of these accounts for training programmes are discussed. v