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The psychologist in the eyes of Poles: between professionalism and stereotypes
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The report presents the results of the study "Perception of the Psychologist Profession in Poland," which was designed at the Institute of Psychology at the University of Łódź in collaboration with the Nationwide Research Panel ARIADNA and the Scientific Committee of the 37th Congress of the Polish Psychological Association. The study was conducted with a representative sample of people over the age of 18, (N=1,146 participants), using the CAWI method. The aim of the study was to learn about the social image of psychology as a field of knowledge and intervention, the public perception of psychologists, and the level of trust in them, as well as to clarify expectations regarding psychologists and their competencies and to identify situations in which people seek psychological help and the related barriers. It also took into account expectations regarding legal regulations for practicing as a psychologist and preparation for the profession, and additionally compared the psychologist profession with the psychotherapist profession in this regard.
Due to the development of new technologies, the study also took into account knowledge about them and the readiness to use them in the context of psychological help.
The image of the psychologist profession that emerges from the findings seems positive, and professional competencies and social usefulness of psychologists are rated highly. The legal regulation of the psychologist profession is also considered important. Based on the study results, several recommendations were formulated regarding actions that support access to psychological help.
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