ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9603-7378
Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Psychology (Ph.D.)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Mark Terjesen
Second Advisor
Tara Rooney
Third Advisor
Raymond DiGuiseppe
Abstract
Trainee perceived clinical competence in cognitive behavior therapy has been shown to change over time (Bennett-Levy & Beedie, 2007). Experiences during practicum likely shape the development of trainees’ perceptions of competence (Hatcher & Wise, 2014). This study examines the impact of various factors on trainee perceived competence including, anxiety, client outcome, perceived supervisor competence, and attitudes about routine outcome measurement. Twelve doctoral students, in their first clinical practicum experience, participated in this research over the course of five months. Results indicated that the trajectory of perceived competency varied between participants, with some participants reporting an increase in competency across time and others a decrease. Factors that were shown to likely influence these changes were assignment of transfer clients and trainee anxiety. Levels of anxiety were inversely related to perceived competence, as trainee anxiety decreased their self-perceived competence increased. Client outcome was not shown to be related to perceived competence, however more than half of participants incorrectly identified client change as compared to data from routine outcome measurements. This evidence suggests that trainees are likely not using this outcome data meaningfully. The limitations of the current study, directions for future research, and implications for the field of school psychology are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Stock, Rebecca S., "A PILOT INVESTIGATION OF GRADUATE TRAINEES’ PERCEPTIONS OF CLINICAL COMPETENCY; DO EXPERIENCES DURING PRACTICUM MATTER?" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 914.
https://scholar.stjohns.edu/theses_dissertations/914