The goal of psychological intervention and performed functions of psychologists as an aspect of the professional identity of psychologists: Latvian sample

¹ Riga Stradins University, Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy, Riga, Latvia
² University of Porto, Faculty of Medicine, Porto, Portugal
³ CINTESIS – Centre for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal

^* Corresponding author: elina.akmane@rsu.lv

Abstract

Professional identity is formed by combination of several aspects, including professional practice, which for psychologists relates to psychological intervention and performed functions. The exclusive goal of psychological intervention and exclusively performed functions of psychologists are an important research subjects because more and more practicing professionals are performing activities linked to psychological intervention. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the exclusive goal of psychological intervention and exclusively performed functions of Latvian psychologists. Data was collected through an online survey developed in the framework of the international project “The Identity of Psychology” [1]. Three open-answer questions were used. Sample consisted of 54 Latvian psychologists of which 91% were women (n = 49) and 9 % were men (n = 5) aged from 25 to 60 years (M = 44.94; SD = 8.98). Data was analysed using thematic categorical content analysis. Findings indicate clear diversity in the opinion about the professional practice among Latvian psychologists. The results of this study indicate limited agreement and comprehension of Latvian psychologists about their professional practice which leads to necessity for further research to investigate the causes of such outcome to determine solutions on how to strengthen their professional practice and, more broadly, professional identity.