Clinical Psychology

Finally, although hardly a demographic feature,
it is reassuring to note that of all the clinical psy-
chologists sampled, only 12% expressed any dissat-
isfaction with their choice of clinical psychology as
a career (Norcross et al., 2005). This most recent
survey on satisfaction is in contrast with a survey 50
years ago (Kelly & Goldberg, 1959) which reported
that approximately 40% of clinical psychologists
would select a different career if given a choice.
Fortunately, few contemporary clinical psycholo-
gists share this sentiment! Despite the strenuous
academic requirements, the lengthy graduate
education required, and the long hours, most clini-
cal psychologists find their careers to be very
satisfying.

Research and the Scientific Tradition

Although clinical psychology is dedicated to the
improvement of human welfare, it springs from a
research tradition that emphasizes the quest for
knowledge. This research tradition does not imply

that every clinician should be heavily engaged in

research or other scholarly pursuits. What it does

suggest is that training in clinical psychology that

incorporates courses and experience in research

and statistical methods gives clinicians unique skills

that help establish their professional identity. Such

methodological training helps develop a capacity

for evaluation and an attitude of caution and skep-

ticism that permits clinical psychologists to become

better, more perceptive diagnosticians and therapists

as well as researchers.

Training: Toward a Clinical Identity

The preceding pages have provided a sketch of

some of the activities, affiliations, and orientations

of clinicians and touched upon the scientific tradi-

tion. Now let us turn to a discussion of the unique

background and skills that set clinical psychologists

apart from other mental health professionals. None

T A B L E 1-4 Theoretical Orientations of Clinical Psychologists

1960 1973 1981 1986 1995 2003

Orientation % % % % % %

Behavioral 08 10 14 16 13 10

Cognitive — 02 06 13 24 28

Eclectic/Integrative 36 55 31 29 27 29

Humanistica 02 06 04 06 03 01

Interpersonal ———— 04 04

Psychodynamicb 35 16 30 21 18 15

Rogerian 04 01 03 06 01 01

Sullivanian 10 03 02 02 01 00

Systems —— 04 04 04 03

Other 04 07 06 03 05 07
aHumanistic includes existential and Gestalt.
bPsychodynamic includes psychoanalytic and psychodynamic. The corresponding 1960 and 1973 figures are for psychoanalysis and Neo-Freudian.
SOURCE: Norcross, J. C., Karpiak, C. P., & Santoro, S. O. (2005). Clinical psychologists across the years: The Division of Clinical Psychology from 1960 to 2003.
Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61 , 1467–1483.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION 21