Date of Award

10-1-1995

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Counseling Psychology & Community Services

Abstract

This study explored women psychologists' perspectives of therapist impairment, including their definitions and personal experiences; considerations they believed were unique to women which could contribute to impairment; and coping strategies they used to protect against impairment.Sixteen women psychologists from North Dakota and Northwestern Minnesota were asked a series of questions in a structured interview format. Their responses were analyzed and presented according to commonly occurring themes.Definitions of impairment included considerations such as decreased competence; lack of competence; duration, frequency and severity of the impairment; failure to help clients; and loss of boundaries. A comprehensive definition of impairment based on the responses of these women includes three aspects: (a) pre-existing stressors; (b) impairment itself; and (c) consequences of impairment.Factors contributing to identified experiences of impairment included illness, work environment, clientele, and organizational dysfunction. While five participants had difficulty determining whether they had been impaired, seven responded affirmatively. Women's responses indicated that what was important was not whether they felt they had been impaired, but what they identified as impairing, and how they responded to it.Factors participants identified as stressors unique to them as women included professional marginality and role conflict. Professional marginality included our androcentric society, discrimination, sexual harassment, differential standards, and lack of respect. Specific concerns were raised by women in academe. Reservations about Affirmative Action were raised by academic and institutional psychologists. Role conflict included multiple roles and expectations of caregiving, which some participants found extended into the work environment. Other stressors included depression, clientele, and lack of support.Effective coping strategies included adequate support; maintenance of outside interests; physical and mental health; directly addressing stressors; and faith.

Download

Share

COinS