Competence in professional psychology practice in Ghana: Qualitative insights from practicing clinical health psychologists
Date
2019-07-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Health Psychology
Abstract
Issues concerning competence of practicing psychologists have not been critically investigated in Ghana. This
study used the three-dimensional cube model of core competencies as a framework to explore competencies
of professional psychologists in active clinical health practice in Ghana. Sixteen clinical psychologists with 1
to 20 years of practicing experience were interviewed on adequacy of their graduate training for practice as
well as maintaining post-training competence. The results suggested that training equipped the practitioners
mainly for research and teaching but less so for clinical practice. Reflective practice was underdeveloped
leading to critical challenges in emotional and cultural competencies. Structural support for continuous
professional development was limited. Implications for professional psychology training, research and
practice are discussed. This study is the first to explore competence issues in professional psychology
practice in Ghana, and it contributes to the global discourse on continuous competence in psychology.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
clinical health psychology, competence, critical psychology, Ghana, professional psychology