A multi method approach to researching stress and mental health in two groups of healthcare students: nursing students and trainee clinical psychologists
This dissertation investigates stress and mental health in two groups of healthcare trainees using quantitative and qualitative research. Specifically, the thesis focuses on nursing students and trainee clinical psychologists. The quantitative studies adopt a particular methodological approach that is used at the Centre for Occupational Health Psychology at Cardiff University. The method is multi dimensional in nature, and attempts to "tap in" to the multiple levels of the stress process without overburdening the participants or the service they provide. This approach is described in great detail throughout the thesis, and therefore this work can also act as a template for future studies that may adopt this method to investigate other populations. It is suggested that taking a multi dimensional approach to assessing stress might be a good way to inform regulatory standards, curriculum design, and student support. To complement the quantitative studies, qualitative studies were run to investigate stressors and coping strategies in mental health nursing students and trainee clinical psychologists. Many of the reported stressors were common across the two groups whereas others were specific to the individual population. For example, similarities between the groups included conflict with members of staff, problems in their home life, and 'being a student/trainee' whereas differences included the level of support received. That is, trainee clinical psychologists generally reported feeling well supported, whereas mental health nursing students reported inadequate support. Furthermore, there were additional barriers to accessing support for mental health nursing students, such as gaining access to counselling services during busy periods.