Practising psychologists across a range of disciplines are known to frequently work
with individuals who have complex emotional difficulties. Excessive job demands and lack
of resources are known to impact on the well-being of these professionals (Hannigan,
Edwards, & Burnard, 2004) with consequences for the individual, clients, and organisations
at a wider level. This thesis examines some of the factors which can affect wellbeing in
psychologists. Section 1 presents the findings from a systematic literature review including 22
papers that looked at the experience of burnout in practising psychologists (e.g., clinical,
counselling, and school psychologists). Psychologist burnout was within the moderate to
high range in at least half of the studies examined. Variables including gender, practice
setting and level of experience were related to burnout, as were several psychosocial
variables. Methodological quality of studies varied hugely and compared to other
professions, the literature on burnout for psychologists was generally lacking. Relevance to
clinical practice and implications for future research are discussed. Section 2 comprises the quantitative research study, which explored whether job
demands predicted psychological well-being in clinical psychologists, and whether the
quality of the supervisory relationship was capable of moderating that relationship. A total of
194 clinical psychologists participated in the online study consisting of a questionnaire
gathering demographic information and information on job characteristics, and five
standardised self-report measures including a measure of job demands, a measure of the
supervisory relationship, and three measures of psychological well-being. Job demands
significantly predicted psychological well-being, but that relationship was not moderated by
the strength of the supervisory relationship. A discussion of the findings, including possible
reasons for the lack of moderation, are presented, along with suggestions for further research. Section three presents a critical appraisal of the research. It discusses the findings of
the literature review and research study, as well as a critique of the methodology. Reflections
on the research process are given and implications for clinical practice are discussed.