“Am I just being lazy?”: Clinical psychologists’ experiences of the impact of perimenopause and menopause on their professional practice in the United Kingdom: An IPA exploration.

Abstract

There is a paucity of research exploring the experiences of peri/menopause. In a largely female-dominated profession such as clinical psychology, peri/menopause is likely to impact on clinical psychologists’ (CPs’) professional practice, and especially leadership responsibilities. The current study aims to explore the experiences of peri/menopause and the interaction with their working life in female CPs. Ten female UK-trained CPs were interviewed. The data was analysed using a qualitative design and interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Three superordinate and six subordinate group experiential themes were identified: Perimenopause threatening professional identity (“What is happening to me?”, “Am I just being lazy?”, “Just keep going”), The multiplicity of peri/menopause (“It’s like having another job”, “The hormonal woman”, Gains and losses of ageing), and The value of sharing lived experience. This study adds to the understanding of peri/menopause and its impact on women's professional lives. It highlights the importance of exploring this subject, especially in clinical psychology as a female-dominant profession. It aims to position the experience within multiple contexts.

Date of Award	9 Sept 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Plymouth
Supervisor	Lindsay Aikman (Director of Studies (First Supervisor)) & Pete Keohane (Other Supervisor)