Giving Psychology Trainees A Voice During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Trainee Mental Health, Perceived Safety, And Support

The impact of infectious disease outbreaks on mental health among health care workers is well-established. Minimal research has focused on health care trainees' well-being, especially during unprecedented events such as the 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Trainees are vulnerable to inherent power and resource differentials, which may exacerbate stress. The present study used a mixed methods approach to examine mental health symptoms, perceived safety, and ongoing and desired support among a national sample of psychology interns, psychology intern and postdoctoral trainees during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 400). Participants reported clinically elevated anxiety and depressive symptoms. Participants working on-site who felt that their health or safety was at risk reported more anxiety symptoms. Most common workplace safety concerns included inadequate protection against risk and face-to-face patient care requirements. Trainees desired more support, better communication, more remote work and telehealth options, and flexibility in training requirements. Themes also emerged related to supervisor pressure and disregard of trainees' concerns. Results have significant implications for the training environment and quality of patient care. Increased support of psychology trainees is vital during the current and potential future public health crises.