Doctorate in Clinical Psychology: Main Research Portfolio

: 1) Professional Self-Doubt in Psychotherapists: A Systematic Review of Its Nature, Sources, Impacts, and Coping Strategies; 2) In the end we will not remember the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends: Increasing Trainee clinical psychologists’ confidence in anti-racism practice; 3) A Cross-sectional Study of Self-doubt, Self-compassion, and Well-being in Psychotherapists.

Abstract

Background: Psychotherapists’ professional self-doubt and well-being can enhance and hinder therapeutic processes and outcomes. Identifying mechanisms that allow therapists to harness the benefits of self-doubt while minimising its costs is crucial, as well-being is central to ethical and effective practice. This study examined the relationship between self-doubt and well-being, and the mediating role of self-compassion.

Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted. Descriptive statistics were calculated, assumptions tested, and multiple regression and mediation analyses performed, controlling for demographic and health-related covariates. Self-doubt was the independent variable, self-compassion the mediator, and well-being the dependent variable.

Results: Therapists reported moderate self-doubt (M = 1.99, SD = .76) and self-compassion (M = 3.02, SD = .70). Higher self-doubt was associated with worse well-being (B = -1.92, 95% CI [-3.15, -0.69]). Higher self-compassion was associated with better well-being (B = 3.39, 95% CI [1.95, 4.82]). Self-doubt and self-compassion explained 49.7% of variance in well-being, with self-compassion the strongest predictor. Mediation analyses indicated partial mediation: higher self-doubt predicted lower self-compassion (B = -.31, 95% CI [-.42, -.20]), which in turn predicted reduced well-being (B = 3.39, 95% CI [1.95, 4.82]). Covariates significantly associated with well-being included health (B = 2.60, 95% CI [1.22, 3.99]), sleep (B = 1.86, 95% CI [.70, 3.01]), and physical activity (B = 1.57, 95% CI [.32, 2.82]).

Conclusions: Self-compassion emerged as a protective factor, partially buffering the negative effects of self-doubt. Interventions and policies that promote self-compassion and address self-doubt directly may enhance psychotherapists’ well-being and support ethical, sustainable practice.

Date of Award	24 Jun 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath
Supervisor	Gemma Taylor (Supervisor)