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Publication
The relationship between lifelong learning and professional development activities in a Portuguese sample
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Objective: A dispositional commitment to lifelong learning (LL) is an important aspect of continuing professional development for practicing psychotherapists. Equally
important is the dedication of psychotherapists to engaging in professional development activities to foster growth and maintain competence. However, there are limited available data on the range of practices and factors influencing psychotherapists'
commitment to these activities. The primary objective of this study was to examine
whether a higher commitment to LL would significantly predict greater participation
in a range of different professional development activities.
Method: A sample of 166 Portuguese psychotherapists completed an online survey
on professional development. The survey included two key measures: the Jefferson
Scale of Psychotherapist Lifelong Learning and a list of professional development
activities based on the Retrospective Analysis of Psychotherapists' Involvement in
Deliberate Practice. Exploratory factorial analysis was conducted to determine an
alternative and suitable grouping for the list of activities, and structural equation
modelling was utilised to assess the relationship between the commitment to LL and
engagement in these activities.
Findings: Results provided valuable insight into the diverse levels of participation
among therapists across five categories of activities: (1) supervision and case discussion; (2) recording-related activities; (3) reading and focussed learning; (4) reflecting;
and (5) workshops supporting ongoing professional competence. Findings indicated
that a stronger commitment to LL significantly predicted increased dedication to
reading, focussed learning activities and attendance to training workshops. The implications and limitations of the study are discussed concerning their practical application for professional psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists
Description
Keywords
Continuing education Expertise JSPLL Lifelong learning Professional development Rapid practice Training
Citation
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell